Wolf populations in Scandinavia have declined dramatically in the last 150 years as a result of relentless hunting, combined at times with shortages of important prey species. The level of conflict between people and animals is higher for wolves than for the other three large carnivores, but despite this, wolves never disappeared completely from Scandinavia.
State
Growing Scandinavian wolf population
The Scandinavian wolf population rose substantially during the 1990s, but has grown more slowly since 2000. The population is relatively isolated, so that inbreeding and a lack of genetic diversity may determine whether it is viable in the long term. This is an important issue for the management authorities.
Three litters in Norway in 2008
Norway’s wolf population target is for three litters of cubs to be born each year within the designated management area for breeding wolves. In 2007, no litters were registered in Norway, but in 2008 there were three different litters.
Wolves in Norway and Sweden, 2008–09
In winter 2008–09, a total of 28 family groups and 11–15 scent-marking pairs of wolves were registered in Norway and Sweden, giving a total of 213–252 wolves. Twenty-two litters were registered in Norway and Sweden in 2008.
In Norway, 25–26 wolves were registered in winter 2008–09. There were three family groups based entirely in Norway, plus 4–5 other wolves. One family group and three scent-marking pairs had territories straddling the border with Sweden. .
Pressure
Illegal killing and culling
Hunting and the use of poisoned bait were the main reasons for the near-extinction of wolves in Norway. The wolf was protected in 1971, but a number of wolves have been illegally killed since then by shooting or with poisoned bait. In addition, wolves that were being radio-tracked have disappeared without trace.
The wolf population is regulated by culling by licensed hunters to reduce wolf-human conflicts.
Response
Reducing conflict and population monitoring
In Norway, the wolf was temporarily protected in 1971 and permanently protected from 15 May 1973.
International agreements that apply to the wolf
The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats applies to the wolf. The species is included in Appendix II, which lists strictly protected animal species. It is also included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This Appendix lists species in which trade may be permitted but must be strictly regulated.
Monitoring the population
Wolf scat samples are collected for DNA analysis to find out how many wolves there are in each territory and the relationships between them. Together with traditional tracking and registration of litters, this makes it possible to monitor the wolf population.
Culling
The wolf population is regulated by culling of a quota by licensed hunters. Culling of problem individuals may also be permitted in acute situations to prevent losses of livestock or domestic reindeer.