Else Beekman
While the European Commission has downgraded the protection status of the wolf, Spain has chosen to continue protecting these predators at a national level. This decision has sparked strong reactions from farming organisations, environmental groups, and government bodies. What does this mean for Spain?
On 7 March 2025, the European Commission decided to reclassify the wolf from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected. ’ The new status will officially come into effect on 1 January 2026. This change grants EU member states greater flexibility in managing wolf populations, particularly in areas where conflicts with livestock farmers are increasing. The European Commission’s decision follows a long-standing debate over livestock damage and the growing wolf population in several European countries.
“The concentration of wolf packs in some regions of Europe has become a real danger, especially for livestock. To manage these critical concentrations more actively, local authorities have been calling for greater flexibility for some time,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement.
This change means that measures previously restricted or prohibited are now permitted, provided they do not threaten the viability of the wolf population. Authorities can now proactively drive wolves away from areas where they pose a risk to livestock or human safety. Furthermore, governments may authorise the culling of wolves in cases where they display dangerous behaviour. Finally, there is increased scope for preventive measures, such as installing fences, using livestock guardian dogs, and other methods to minimise conflicts between wolves and human activities.
Spain stands firm on protection
Despite the relaxation at the European level, Spain continues to maintain strict protection for the wolf. Since 2021, the Iberian wolf has been included on the national list of ‘Especies Silvestres en Régimen de Protección Especial’ (Lespre). This means that hunting wolves in Spain remains completely banned, regardless of the new European guidelines. However, there are significant differences between autonomous communities: In regions such as Castilla y León and Asturias, pressure from the agricultural sector to ease restrictions is higher than in other parts of the country, where coexistence and protection measures are more widely promoted.
Regional differences in wolf management
Although the wolf is protected nationally throughout Spain, different autonomous regions have adopted varying strategies to manage conflicts with wolves. In Castilla y León, Asturias, and Galicia, where livestock farming is prevalent, there is a push for greater management flexibility. Subsidies are provided for fencing and livestock guardian dogs, but farmers argue these measures are insufficient. In some cases, illegal hunting is tolerated, although officially prohibited.
In contrast, regions such as Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura focus more on coexistence. Here, the emphasis is placed on education, preventive measures, and collaboration with environmental organisations. In Extremadura, for example, trials are being conducted with scent barriers to keep wolves away. Meanwhile, Castilla-La Mancha is testing sound installations to deter them. Aragón has also launched initiatives providing farmers with dogs to better protect their herds from wolf attacks.
These regional differences create tensions between the central government and regional administrations, which seek greater autonomy in shaping their own wolf management policies.
Growing tensions due to wolf attacks
The number of wolf attacks on livestock continues to rise in some Spanish regions. In Castilla y León, more than 5,500 attacks were recorded in 2023, leading to significant frustration among farmers. Similar incidents are increasing in Asturias and Galicia, where more sheep and cattle are falling victim to wolf packs. These events further fuel the debate over wolf protection. Farmers’ organisations highlight the economic damage. Furthermore, they demand a more flexible approach. On the other hand, conservationists argue that the recovery of the Iberian wolf is a success story that must not be jeopardised.
Farmers’ organisations: “review the policy”
The downgrading of the wolf’s protection status has been welcomed by many farmers’ organisations and some regional governments, such as the Xunta de Galicia. They urge the national government to reconsider its strict policy. They argue that the growing wolf population is causing unsustainable losses for farmers, who are unable to take action to protect their livestock.
“A political decision without scientific basis”
Environmental organisations such as WWF strongly oppose the relaxation of protection. They argue that it is a political decision that undermines decades of conservation efforts. According to them, there is no scientific evidence proving that the Iberian wolf poses a significant threat to agricultural communities. Furthermore, its protection is essential to maintaining a stable population.
Also read: Inbreeding threatens the Iberian wolf