Swiss Politician Proposes Controversial Wolf Reduction Plan
Christophe Darbellay, a Swiss politician and hobby hunter, has sparked controversy with his plans to reduce the number of wolf packs in Wallis. Environmentalists and animal welfare groups have criticized his approach, with some comparing it to populism and accusing him of misinterpreting scientific findings.
Darbellay, a member of the cantonal government of Wallis since 2017, aims to decrease the number of wolf packs from eleven to three. However, animal and nature organizations emphasize that herding dogs, electric fences, and shepherd presence are effective protection methods against wolf attacks on livestock. They argue that targeted action against problematic individuals, rather than preventative pack killings, should be the focus.
Darbellay's stance has drawn criticism from National Councilor Christophe Clivaz, who has accused him of a 'Trump-like' approach. Environmentalists also find Darbellay's plan excessive and warn that it may violate the Bern Convention, which Switzerland signed in 1981 and ratified in 1982. The convention legally binds Switzerland to protect species like the wolf. In October 2024, the Bern Convention confirmed that proactive wolf shootings are illegal.
Despite the controversy, Darbellay continues to advocate for more flexible management policies to balance wolf conservation with agricultural and local community interests. The wolf, a native predator in Switzerland, plays a crucial role in biodiversity and forest regeneration. As the debate continues, environmentalists call for targeted action against problematic wolf individuals, aligning with scientific findings and international legal commitments.
