Wolves can only be hunted in Switzerland if they kill too many livestock.
Keystone
A cross-border coalition of alpine regions, covering four countries, has thrown its weight behind a move to downgrade the protected status of wolves. The Association of Alpine States (Arge Alp) has called on the European Union to review wolf conservation measures.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Whilst Switzerland is not in the EU, some Swiss cantons also belong to Arge AlpExternal link that is also made up of regions in Germany, Austria and Italy. Whatever decisions are taken by the EU with regards to protection of the migratory predators would have an impact in Switzerland.
Arge Alp argues that wolves no longer need special protected status as numbers have risen to around 600 in the alps, comprising some 100 packs. At a meeting in canton Graubünden on Friday, the organization also called on better monitoring of the animals as they crossed borders between countries.
Last year, the Swiss government said it wanted to change the wolf’s status from “strictly protected” to “protected”, which could lead to more of the animals being hunted down and killed. The proposal has been approved by one house of parliament and is due to be debated in the other.
The 30-40 wolves living in Switzerland are currently protected under the Council of Europe’s Bern Convention, a binding international legal agreement. Wolves may only be hunted if they kill more than 25 farm animals within a month.
Also on Friday, a German pensioner was acquitted by a Swiss court in canton Valais of killing a wolf known as M63. The court said there was not enough evidence to prove that a bullet from his gun killed the wolf in 2016.
But the man was fined for having an unregistered firearm and for other breaches of hunting regulations.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss authorities keep close eye on West Nile fever in Italy
This content was published on
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation after the death toll in Italy due to the disease has risen to seven.
Swiss authorities aim to keep negotiating with US on tariffs
This content was published on
A day after the US tariff shock, Swiss officials are still in contact with Washington. One economist meanwhile warns of a hit to Swiss jobs.
Bern biodiversity project brings boost for forest bees
This content was published on
More sunlit areas in forests can boost the number of wild bees – both in overall terms and in terms of species diversity.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Wolves facing reduced protection status
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to downgrade the protection status of wolves – which could lead to more of them being hunted down and killed.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.