EU Court Clarifies Wolf Hunting Regulations for Spain Following Austria’s Lead
ECJ Rules Against Wolf Hunting in Spain’s Castilla y León
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has determined that regions cannot permit the hunting of wolves if their national population remains low, as is the situation in Spain’s Castilla y León region. This ruling was issued on July 29, following the court’s earlier decision to uphold strict conservation measures for wolves in Austria.
According to the ECJ’s press release, "The wolf cannot be designated as a huntable species in a part of the territory of a member state when its conservation status at national level is unfavourable." This ruling comes after the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León authorized the hunting of 329 wolves between 2019 and 2022, citing the need to protect livestock from wolf attacks.
In Spain, wolf populations south of the Douro River, including parts of Castilla y León, can be subject to “management measures,” while populations north of the river benefit from stronger protective regulations. The Spanish association ASCEL, dedicated to the conservation and study of the Iberian wolf, is pleased with the ECJ’s conclusion, asserting that protected species should not be subject to hunting quotas.
The EU’s Habitats Directive provides for strict protection of wolves across Europe, allowing for certain exceptions for management measures such as hunting, but only if these measures contribute positively to the wolf’s conservation status. A report submitted by Spain to the European Commission in 2019 indicated an “unfavourable-mediocre” conservation status for wolves in three regions, including Castilla y León, which the ECJ considered when ruling that the region’s hunting authorization contradicted the Habitats Directive.
Furthermore, the NGO WWF Spain has called for the development of a coexistence plan to enhance preventive measures for livestock farmers following the court’s decision.
This ruling aligns with a recent decision by the ECJ against the Land of Tyrol in Austria, which had granted a temporary exemption for wolf hunting that lacked sufficient justification.
As discussions continue at the European level, Spain, along with Portugal, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Germany, is advocating for comprehensive data on wolf populations before any changes to their conservation status are considered. The ECJ stated that regional decisions regarding hunting must rely on official six-year assessments under the directive, alongside recent local scientific data.
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.