The wolf population in Asturias continues to grow. According to the latest census carried out by the principality's government, in 2023 it increased from 40 to 43 herds, of which 39 are breeding herds. Furthermore, based on the signs detected by observers, the possible existence of three other groups is evaluated.
The census corresponding to the last year, carried out in 56 areas with 1,224 listening stations, also includes the number of specimens found dead, 15 in total, mostly due to accidents.
Regarding the balance of damage, wolves attacked 3,256 animals last year: 953 cows, 227 goats, 1,093 horses, 976 sheep and 7 dogs. In total, as indicated by the Minister of Rural Environment and Agrarian Policy, Marcelino Marcos, the principality's executive paid 1.1 million euros to compensate for these losses, the highest figures since records exist (1997).
In the opinion of the regional government, this upward trend would force a change in the strategy for the protection and control of this species. This has been requested by Marcos before participating in the meeting of the Wolf Management Plan Advisory Committee.
In statements to journalists, the counselor has once again rejected the inclusion of canids in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection Regime (Lespre), which is why the regulations prevent population controls from being carried out.
As he recalled, this fact conditions the application of the Wolf Management Plan in all its terms, since the situation of the species in this biogeographic zone has been declared unfavorable, although it has improved in recent years.
Marcos explained that the decision to protect the species was adopted in 2021 based on data from the period 2012-2014, when the number of specimens was lower than at the time of inclusion in the Lespre.
As stated, the numbers collected show that the Asturian Government is "rigorous" and is "legitimate" to request the removal of the Lespre species, given that "it is not at risk."
"In the end, the data are being falsified and measures are being taken that are not in accordance with the reality of a species. We have to be rigorous not only in the autonomous communities, but also in the central government," stressed the Minister of Rural Affairs.
