Illegal poachers killed 41 wolves in the Netherlands

©Hans Veth via Unsplash

Since the wolf’s return to the Netherlands in 2018, at least 41 animals have been killed by poachers, according toa new report bythe independent research firm EcoJust. According to the researchers, this is not an isolated incident, but a systemic problem in which wolves are being killed on a large scale and with little risk.

In addition to the 41 animals confirmed to have been poached, 38 of the 259 wolves in the Netherlands have disappeared in a manner that cannot be explained by natural mortality or emigration. That amounts to one in seven wolves. Most often, the animals are shot, but the report also describes cases of deliberate hit-and-run incidents. The carcasses are then reportedly buried, burned, or dumped to cover their tracks. The conclusions are based on witness accounts, online posts, and other collected material.

EcoJust identifies livestock farmers and hunters as groups from which the poaching appears to stem in part. Real tensions are at play here: livestock farmers suffer damage from wolf attacks, while protective measures, according to the researchers, are often inadequate. Enforcement also leaves much to be desired, meaning that, according to the report, perpetrators are rarely detected or prosecuted.

The study also reveals a broader social dimension. Aversion to wolves is said to be deeply rooted in parts of the countryside and is further fueled by social media. Politicians sometimes contribute to this by consistently portraying the wolf as an intruder.

According to EcoJust, it is not only poaching that must be addressed, but trust between the government and rural communities must also be restored. Only then, the researchers argue, can a sustainable solution emerge for the growing conflict surrounding the wolf.

©Hans Veth via Unsplash