On behalf of the Tyrol Chamber of Agriculture, on the protected status of the wolf 

According to the petitioner, the strict protection of the wolf under European law should not lead to the loss of public security or of the protection of people in settlements in our cultivated landscape. The petitioner maintains that Tyrol’s very densely populated Alpine area, which is used for tourist, agricultural, forestry and hunting purposes and where traditional alpine farming plays a particularly important role, is no place for the wolf, which is a predator. In particular, the petitioner sees a serious risk to alpine pastures which constitute a valuable and essential element of the region’s cultural heritage. The petitioner calls for a re-evaluation and scientific definition of the wolf population, for an amendment of the relevant provisions in the Habitats Directive and for sufficient financial compensation to be provided for the damage caused in terms of animals slain and for the extra effort needed to protect farm animals. The petitioner asks the European Commission what strategic action plans it has developed in the event of a growing wolf population.