A change in law
In 2024, there was a significant setback to wolf conservation across Europe. The EU laws protecting wolves were weakened. Wolves were downlisted from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’ status under the Bern Convention. This change has completely undermined conservation efforts as wolf populations were finally recovering and are now at increased risk. This is because countries have greater flexibility in issuing cull permits and can kill wolves more freely across the whole of Europe.
It’s only recently that European wolf populations have finally been recovering after persistent persecution. The recovery of wolf populations was demonstrating that coexistence of humans and wolves was possible. In countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain, the wolf’s return had helped their ecosystems to recover and thrive.
When wolves return, forests can begin to regenerate because deer populations are being effectively controlled. The regulation of boar and deer populations also benefited the farming industry, as now their crops were at less risk of damage. Rivers began to flow better. Disease transmission was decreasing, and wolves had demonstrated their importance to ecosystem health. Most importantly, with proper management, humans and wolves were co-existing.
So What Now?
Conservationists are continuing to put in the hard work.
Meet Leo – Young Wolf Ambassador
Born Free young ambassador Leo has been campaigning for the protection of European wolves for many years. His work focuses on educating people about the vital role wolves play and challenging the myths that fuel their persecution.
Leo states in his video that he’s never been afraid of wolves – he’s always been fascinated by them.
Leo understands that wolves are not the big bad wolves portrayed in fairy tales. They are family animals who work co-operatively, caring for their young and living in such a way that they help maintain ecological balance.
Watch Leo’s wolf video on his YouTube channel Leo’s Animal Planet – it’s well-balanced and explores all of the challenges wolves face within Europe, specifically in France.
What Can People Do?
Learn and Share Accurate Information
Become information detectives and understand what makes a source reliable. This will help you distinguish between misinformation and factually correct information.
Support Conservation Organisations
There are many organisations and charities working to protect wolves across the world, including several UK-based charities who are invested in their future.
Follow Young Conservationists Like Leo
You are never too young to make a difference. The work of many young conservationists can inspire and empower you to feel confident that you too can make a difference. Start small. Every bit of change, every voice – it all counts.
Challenge Misinformation
When encountering strong opinions about a species like wolves, remain curious, ask questions, and offer evidence-based facts. Be confident in your knowledge. It’s also worth knowing when to argue a point – sometimes timing is everything!
Appreciate Biodiversity
Recognise that every species has an important ecological role. Every creature counts.
Educate Others
Find creative ways to share your knowledge about wolves, their behaviour, and ecological importance. Here are some living examples of what young people are doing.
- Sisters Amy and Ella founded Kids against plastic – a charity that does beach clean ups and much much more!
- Eagle eyed girl – Jamie has a podcast where she gets experts in their field to talk about their work. She’s also a very talented photographer, enters competitions and shares her wild experiences.
- Benjamin follow raises awareness through his beautiful art, he sells this same artwork to raise money for charity alongside sponsored walks.
- Leo uses his video channel as a platform to advocate for other conservationists and animals. Leo has also participated in fundraising walks, protests amongst many other efforts.
Advocate for Evidence-Based Wildlife Management
Support policies that prioritise conservation science and expert knowledge over wealthy influencers and their interests.
Your voice matters. You are a part of this planet.
Like Leo, you can be an advocate for wildlife too. Every person who learns the scientific truth about wolves and other species and shares accurate information with others can help to change perceptions and protect these magnificent animals. The future of wolves depends on the next generation of informed conservationists – that means you!
The effort to protect wolves isn’t just about one species. It’s about preserving the wild spaces and ecological balance that all species, including humans, depend upon for a healthy planet.