Reactions of environmental and animalist organizations
Various entities dedicated to environmental protection, such as Adlo, Arba, Ecologists in Action, WWF and Adda, have expressed their deep disapproval towards the recent motion approved in six municipalities in Pallars Jussà, which declares the free region of wolves. They consider this decision to be a “compendium of nonsense” that challenges the scientific knowledge accumulated for decades of research on this species.
The political context of the motion
The approval of the motion has been highlighted in Tremp, where the PSC holds an absolute majority. Its mayor, Sílvia Romero, as well as being the Government Delegate in the High Pyrenees and Aran, has been criticized for aligning with ideas that organizations consider denialists, and to approve a rule that, according to them, lack of scientific basis.
Government demands
Environmental organizations have urged the President of the Government and the first secretary of the PSC, Salvador Illa, to take effective measures to curb the PSC attempts in the Alt Pyrenees to promote a negative perception of the wolf.
Argument against the motion
The entities have called into question the arguments filed in the motion, which states that the situation is critical, with only 21 sheep and goats reported dead by wolves in Catalonia in the last eight months, a figure that represents a minimum of 0.002% of the total of 910,000 sheep and 161,000 goats in the territory.
Myth on the invasive species
Another statement that entities reject is the consideration of the wolf from Franco -European populations as an invasive species. They argue that this is the same species as the Iberian, and that its introduction could help improve the genetic heritage of the local population and restore ecological balance, which is currently affected by the growth of wild boar and roe deer populations.
Impact on tourism
Contrary to the claim that the wolf is a danger to tourism, organizations argue that the presence of this animal can, in fact, attract visitors, as has been shown in various regions, both state and European.
Demystifying the wolves overpopulation
Organizations also reject the idea of overcrowding wolves in Catalonia, indicating that there are currently about four wolves in an area of 32,000 square kilometers, that is, a wolf per 8,000 square kilometers, a very low density.
Lack of Documented Attacks in Humans
Finally, the claims that the wolves have attacked humans have flatly rejected. With an estimated population of almost 3,000 wolves across the peninsula, there are no attack records for people in the last 50 years. Therefore, the idea that four wolves in Catalonia could be a danger to the population is considered completely unfounded.
Final reflection
In a context where biodiversity conservation becomes more crucial, the political decisions that ignore scientific knowledge can have serious impact on the ecological balance and health of ecosystems. Society must weigh the implications of these actions and seek a path that integrates science and politics to guarantee a sustainable future.
