Subject: Concerns Regarding Wolf Protection and Management in Sweden - Urgent Request for Action

Dear Members of the European Commission,

I am writing to address the Commission's request for the most current data on wolf populations and their influence on the ecosystem.

I firmly advise against any measures that would diminish the protection of wolves within the European Union, particularly in Sweden. Such weakening could have profound adverse effects on nature preservation within the Union, potentially leading to the dire extinction of Sweden's already fragile wolf population.

I implore the Commission to press forward with the ongoing infringement case concerning Swedish wolf management. Recently, Swedish authorities authorized the hunting of 75 wolves, resulting in a record-breaking 57 wolves being shot — an alarming 12 percent of the population. This clear violation of the strict protection outlined in the Habitats Directive provides compelling grounds for the Commission to escalate this infringement case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

In light of the aforementioned invitation, I would like to draw specific attention to the following factual data:

The Scandinavian wolf population remains small, isolated, and fragile. As of the winter of 2022-2023, the Swedish wolf population was estimated at 450 wolves, according to an official monitoring report Swedish Wolf Population 2022-2023 Report.

Due to hunting allowances, illegal hunting, accidents, and natural mortality, the Swedish wolf population saw a drastic decline to 368 wolves in the autumn of 2023 Swedish Wolf Population Autumn 2023 Report.

Despite the Swedish Government's official standpoint, the Swedish wolf population has not attained Favourable Conservation Status due to flawed management, small numbers, and isolation, resulting in severe genetic problems Swedish Wolf Conservation Status. The Swedish wolf was classified as Endangered in the National Red List in April 2020 Swedish Wolf National Red List.

Wolves play a significantly positive role in Swedish nature and ecology. Research reports indicate that remains from prey killed by wolves benefit other species Wolves and Prey Benefits. Moreover, wolves prey on weaker specimens of elk compared to hunters, underscoring their critical role as apex predators in natural selection Wolves' Prey Selection.

Academic experts outside Sweden advocate for a larger wolf population to achieve ecological viability Joint Statement on Wolf Population. Despite this, the Swedish Environment Protection Agency used a lower figure as the basis for a Favourable Reference Population, failing to align with scientific recommendations Favourable Reference Population Decision.

Damage caused by wolves to domestic animals in Sweden is comparatively low and has remained stable over time Wolf Predation on Domestic Animals.

A significant majority of Sweden's citizens are in favor of wolves in the country, highlighting public support for wolf conservation efforts Public Opinion on Wolves in Sweden. As a hunter, I support it two-fold!

In conclusion, I earnestly urge the Commission to take swift and decisive action to safeguard Europe's invaluable wolf populations and to resist any attempts to weaken their essential protection.

Best regards,

David Rittri
Stockholm