Large-scale killing of critically endangered wolves in Sweden

The present wolf hunting in Sweden is based on a proposition from the Swedish government, implemented by an EPA decision, allowing 27 wolves to be killed in order to keep the population below 210 individuals. The wolf population is red-listed by scientists to be critically endangered in Sweden. As many as 20 other European countries have higher densities of wolves per surface unit than Sweden, all of which also have higher population density.

– If Sweden as a green country permits more than ten percent of a critically endangered mammal to be killed, how can Sweden continue to push with environmental credibility on a EU or global scale, whether the questions concern whale hunting or climate change? asks Dr. Mikael Karlsson, President of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.

The hunting started on January 2nd and showed to be uncontrolled. About 12 000 hunters were registered for hunting down the 27 wolves, without any other coordination from public agencies than telephone answering machines. Consequently, the regionally responsible agencies are still trying to reveal whether or not the hunting has been within the regional share of the national quotas, and it still remains to be seen if the total national quota will be exceeded or not.

– The road that the government has embarked on is dangerous, uncontrolled and signals a systematic shift in Swedish nature conservation tradition. This is a sad day for all who cares about nature, says Dr. Mikael Karlsson, President of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.

For interviews and questions please contact:
Mikael Karlsson, president Swedish Society for Nature Conservation +4670316 27 22
mikael.karlsson@naturskyddsforeningen.se
Anders Grönvall, Senior Press Officer, +4670655 46 19
anders.gronvall@naturskyddsforeningen.se