91999E2722

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2722/99

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Protection of the Iberian wolf

Members of the environmental group Ciconia in Zamora (Spain) have launched a campaign to protest at the auction of hunting rights for three Iberian wolves in the Culebra hills, as allowed by the Castilla y León regional government since 1997. Quite apart from being in breach of the law passed by the Spanish government listing this animal in the Catalogue of Endangered Species, this measure does not resolve the social tension caused by the lack of compensation for harm caused to livestock.

Under Directive 92/43/EEC(1) on habitats, the wolf is classed as a protected species south of the Duero river, and a controlled species to the north of the river. According to experts, the problem caused by the wolf population in Spain (which estimates place at approximately 2000) is one of control, and of perception by different social groups, particularly in rural areas, and first and foremost by herdsmen and livestock breeders.

Will the Commission bring pressure to bear on the Spanish authorities to halt the auction of hunting rights for Iberian wolves, as authorised by the Castilla y León regional government?

Could the Commission, together with the national authorities, put in place an effective information programme for herdsmen and livestock breeders on the importance of conservation measures for wolves, and a system to provide fair and rapid compensation for the damage they cause?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2000)

The Spanish wolf population in the North of the Duero River is included on the Annex V of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, as species whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures.

The Spanish authorities have adopted exceptional management measures for these populations in the North of the Duero River, such as the possibility to be hunted under specific circumstances. These measures are carried out to avoid too much damage to livestock. Article 14 of Directive 92/43/EEC seems to have been respected.

According to information held by the Commission, the Spanish wolf population in the North of the Duero River is increasing.

Spain is the Member State with the biggest wolf population. Action plans including compensation for damage, radio-tracking studies and infrastructure impact studies about the populations are ongoing.

Furthermore, agri-environmental measures specifically tailored to wolf conservation are being implemented in Castilla y León areas such as Sierra de la Culebra.