The European View on Wolf Conservation
The majority of European citizens support nature conservation and protection. A survey across six European Union countries namely France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Finland explored how people perceive wolf conservation across Europe. Another study by the Andalusian Government shows that two thirds of Sierra Morena residents back wolf conservation and related efforts in the region.
Among 6,137 respondents, the central finding is strong backing for wolf conservation measures and a clear stance against harming wolves under any circumstances. The European survey also received a very positive appraisal from Life Lobo Andalucía, a European project initiated in September 2016 and active in the Sierra Morena area, the southernmost extension of Europe’s wolf population.
In captions accompanying the fieldwork, the Iberian wolf is identified as a symbol of natural balance in the region. A photo caption attributes the image to Iberian wolf, with attribution to Efe.
Commissioned by the Eurogroup for Animals and conducted by Savanta ComRes, the survey finds a high level of support for wolf protection, especially in Poland, Spain and Italy, along with strong awareness of the wolf’s benefits to local ecosystems. Life Lobo Andalucía has spent four years highlighting how the wolf can contribute to rural economies through livestock management and hunting, viewing the animal as a cultural resource and a driver of tourism.
Killing Wolves is Unacceptable
The European results reveal several key insights. A large majority regards the killing of wolves as unacceptable even in cases of livestock attacks or when population control would be considered, both perspectives attracting about 55 percent support. About 86 percent believe that national governments and EU funds should equip farmers with the tools to protect animals from wolf-related harm. Roughly 93 percent affirm the wolf has a right to exist in the wild.
The Life Lobo Andalucía project used these findings to communicate to residents of Sierra Morena in Jaen and Cordoba the importance of the Iberian wolf as a vital animal for health policy, the need for effective prevention measures, and the value of teaching younger generations about the Iberian wolf. This approach aims to foster better harmony between human activity and the wolf’s presence.
Life Lobo Andalucía notes that the wolf feeds on weak, sick or dead animals, contributing to disease prevention in wild populations. It is also seen as a key element in maintaining ecological balance as a natural predator of herbivores. The discussion emphasizes fast and fair compensation alongside prevention measures such as guarding dogs, night protection, and.use of electric deterrents as practical strategies to coexistence. A priest’s role is mentioned in the context of community engagement and welfare.
Health and Protection in Sierra Morena
A separate study by the Andalusian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development shows that two thirds of Sierra Morena residents view the iconic species as protected to prevent its disappearance, acknowledging its important role in ecological balance and health policing within the ecosystem. About half of nearby town residents fully support conservation plans, rising to 63 percent in Cordoba and Jaén capitals.
In Sierra Morena, a photo caption features an Iberian wolf in the region. The survey reports a rising perception of wolf presence in recent years, with about 90 percent of respondents noting this trend compared to 80 percent in 2017.
People highlight the wolf’s benefits, including disease prevention through natural regulation of diseased game pieces, and its value as a scientific, cultural, and ecological asset. More than eight in ten respondents believe wolves are not a threat to humans. Attitudes toward wildlife show increasing ecological and conservation awareness, with a small but notable share suggesting that human activity should be limited when it threatens a species’ survival.
Wolf as a Tourist Attraction
The second survey indicates broad consensus on maintaining a positive attitude toward the wolf and its protection, with more than 70 percent opposing extinction in 2017 and 75 percent in 2020. Just under two percent of respondents believe no action should be taken to protect the wolf. The most mentioned option for action is creating protected areas and enforcing hunting bans, with 44 percent in municipalities and 59 percent in capitals favoring this approach. Municipalities favor re-entry or release programs, while capitals emphasize farmer training.
When it comes to planning future protections, most people want experts and biologists to lead actions, supported by public administration and regional communities. A strong majority believes these decisions should have significant influence on livestock policy and that regional input should carry substantial weight in decisions affecting wildlife.
Regarding wolf tourism, some residents remain undecided or indifferent, but the majority believes that wolves can enhance regional image and attract visitors. About one in three people in the region view wolves as beneficial for local tourism. Life Lobo Andalucía and related groups advocate continued coordinated action to sustain wolf protection and tourism benefits.
For further context, Life Lobo Andalucía maintains ongoing work at lifelobo.es, and Eurogroup for Animals remains a key advocate for animal protection policy.
Note: This summary reflects the outcomes of the referenced European surveys and regional reports, presented to underscore public sentiment in favor of wolf conservation and coexistence measures.