Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Wolves kill fewer Swiss lambs despite growing packs

Wolf
Anti-wolf protection measures seem to be paying off for livestock. Keystone / Urs Flueeler

The growing population of wolves in Switzerland killed fewer livestock in the first half of this year, according to a nature welfare group.

Wolf Switzerland said on Thursday that there were 80% fewer kills in the southeast canton of Graubünden and a 55% reduction in the French-speaking Valais.

+ When it’s legal to kill the wrong wolf in Switzerland

These cantons make up much of the main habitat of wolves in Switzerland.

Some 250 wolves spread around some 26 packs currently roam Switzerland. Numbers are increasing every year and it is estimated that their population could top 350 by 2025.

No definite figures of livestock kills were given by Wolf Switzerland, but the group said the reduced rates were down to better protection methods, such as wolf resistant fences.

If this trend continues for the rest of the year, it would mark a turnaround in the uneasy relationship between farmers and wolves.

The number of kills has risen for the last few years, reaching 1,480 last year, up from 951 in 2021.

The response from the Swiss authorities has been to relax hunting regulations to make it easier to shoot problem wolves and thin packs.

Six wolves were earmarked for destruction last year, but none so far this year, said Wolf Switzerland.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

The site of the fatal glider crash in canton Valais.

More

Two dead after glider crash in southern Switzerland

This content was published on Two people died after their glider crashed in canton Valais on Friday afternoon. The police said the victims were Swiss nationals, aged 72 and 46, who had apparently taken off from canton Aargau.

Read more: Two dead after glider crash in southern Switzerland
Nestle's CEO Mark Schneider, left, and Nestle chairman Paul Bulcke, right, speak during the general meeting of the world's biggest food and beverage company, Nestle Group, on April 18, 2024.

More

Nestle Chair says CEO change was prompted by growth concerns

This content was published on The abrupt replacement of Nestle SA’s chief executive officer was prompted by worries over the food and beverage company’s growth outlook, Nestlé Chair Paul Bulcke told Swiss newspaper Le Temps. 

Read more: Nestle Chair says CEO change was prompted by growth concerns
Alpinist fatally injured in a fall on the Matterhorn

More

Climber dies on the Matterhorn in southern Switzerland

This content was published on A climber died on Thursday after falling with a partner while descending the Matterhorn, near Zermatt, in southern Switzerland. The other mountaineer suffered minor injuries.

Read more: Climber dies on the Matterhorn in southern Switzerland
Hundreds of Tibetans receive Dalai Lama in front of Zurich hotel

More

Hundreds of Tibetans welcome Dalai Lama in Zurich

This content was published on The Dalai Lama has arrived in Switzerland for a short visit. Hundreds of Tibetans welcomed him at an airport hotel in Opfikon, near Zurich, on Friday.

Read more: Hundreds of Tibetans welcome Dalai Lama in Zurich

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR