Wolf to be Included in Rhineland-Palatinate Hunting Law
Context:
The wolf population in Rhineland-Palatinate has been a contentious issue, particularly among livestock owners who have experienced losses due to wolf attacks. Despite previously opposing such a move, the state’s Environment Minister, Katrin Eder, has now announced that the wolf will be incorporated into Rhineland-Palatinate’s hunting law.
Reasons for the Inclusion:
Eder’s reversal stems from a recent change in the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). The wolf’s protection status will be downgraded from "strictly protected" to "protected," allowing for adjustments in the European Union’s Fauna-Flora-Habitat (FFH) Directive and Germany’s Federal Nature Conservation Act.
Implications for Wolf Management:
While the inclusion in hunting law will not immediately alter the current legal framework for wolf management, it is expected to facilitate the removal of problematic individuals in specific circumstances. The wolf will remain under a year-round closed season, meaning that killing is only permitted in cases of serious economic damage, such as livestock attacks or threats to human safety.
Controversy and Concerns:
The decision to include the wolf in hunting law has sparked mixed reactions. While some livestock owners and hunters welcome the move, conservationists express concerns about the potential impact on wolf populations and the implications for their protection.
The New Hunting Law:
The inclusion of the wolf in hunting law will be part of a broader reform of Rhineland-Palatinate’s hunting legislation. The new law aims to enhance forest protection and has faced criticism from the state’s hunting association.
Process and Timeline:
The proposed hunting law, including the provision on wolf management, is expected to be presented to the state parliament before the summer break. It will take effect on April 1, 2027, allowing time to assess the impact of the wolf’s inclusion on hunting practices.
Case Study:
The challenges of wolf management were highlighted in the case of "GW1896m," a wolf from the Westerwald. An exceptional permit for its removal was granted but later overturned by a court, citing insufficient evidence of danger to justify the killing.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of the wolf in Rhineland-Palatinate’s hunting law is a significant development that reflects the evolving debate over wolf management in Germany. While it does not change the legal framework immediately, it signals a willingness to address the concerns of livestock owners while maintaining the wolf’s protected status.
