An event not seen in over a century has taken place in Catalunya: a full wolf pack with three pups has been discovered in the mountainous areas between Alt Empordà and Alta Garrotxa. This discovery has caused a sensation in the region and has changed the wolf’s status from extinct as a breeding species to endangered.
The appearance of offspring means the region is now required to develop and implement a special program for population recovery. Authorities have already announced the start of work on a comprehensive plan, which will be carried out in collaboration with experts, representatives of the agricultural sector, and environmentalists. Key focus is being placed on ensuring new measures do not harm farmers’ interests and allow predators and livestock breeders to coexist without serious conflict.
Wolves and farmers: seeking balance
In recent months, specialists have intensified monitoring of the pack’s movements and behavior. Their goal is to understand how the animals interact with their environment and assess the risks to local farms. Protective measures are already being implemented in the region: electric fences are being installed, herding dogs are introduced, and farmers receive financial support to guard their herds independently.
At the same time, authorities have updated compensation standards for damage caused by wild animals and expanded support measures for farmers. The region has also launched a joint project with the university aimed at developing sustainable livestock farming and minimizing losses from predators.
Environmental impact and new challenges
The return of wolves to Catalonia is not only a rare natural phenomenon, but also an important sign of changes in the ecosystem. In recent decades, the region has seen a significant increase in the number of wild ungulates, such as wild boar and roe deer, creating favorable conditions for the return of predators. Now, wolves could play a key role in controlling the population of these animals, which would help reduce agricultural damage and decrease risks for road traffic.
The first signs of wolves returning were recorded as early as the beginning of 2024, when a lone individual was spotted in Alt Empordà. It was later established that this was a female, and then a male joined her. Throughout the year, the animals stayed solitary, but by the end of the year, cameras captured them together. In spring, experts noticed changes in their behavior, and in autumn, the appearance of three pups was confirmed.
The Future of Wolves in Catalonia
Environmentalists believe that the return of predators is a natural process, linked to the restoration of ecological balance. In the past, when wolves disappeared, there were almost no wild hoofed animals in the region, but now their growing numbers have become a problem for farmers and even road safety. The new wolf population could become a natural regulator and help restore harmony to the ecosystem.
Authorities in Catalonia are already preparing additional resources for monitoring and training specialists to ensure effective management of the situation. In the coming months, a plan to preserve and support the population is expected to be approved, along with further development of programs to protect farmers’ interests and maintain biodiversity in the region.
