Template text: Evaluation of cantonal wolf culls

1. Motion

The government council is instructed to commission an independent scientific evaluation of all wolf culls carried out since the revised Hunting Act came into force (2023). The evaluation must examine in particular,

• whether the wolf culls demonstrably led to a reduction in livestock attacks
• what ecological impacts the culls had on pack social structures, spatial behavior and forest-wildlife dynamics (trophic cascade)
• whether the culls were carried out in accordance with the Bern Convention and federal law
• how high the costs of the wolf culls are compared to fully implemented livestock protection

In particular, it must be ensured that

• the evaluation is conducted by a specialist body independent of the hunting administration
• the results are made fully and publicly accessible
• the government council presents recommendations based on the evaluation

2. Brief justification

The track record of wolf culls in Switzerland raises serious questions. The scientific research on the effectiveness of wolf cullings is not as clear-cut as the political rhetoric suggests. The killing of alpha animals can lead to inexperienced young wolves increasingly attacking livestock. Livestock protection is the demonstrably most effective measure.

• Dossier Valais Wolf Report
• Dossier Wolf in Switzerland