- Rising expenditures associated with wolf population management.
Wolf-related expenditures in Rhineland-Palatinate for safeguarding livestock from wolf attacks have escalated significantly over the years. The Environmental Ministry in Mainz disclosed that in 2019, approximately 155,000 euros were distributed, a figure which rose to around 729,000 euros in 2021. In 2020 and 2022, the sum was approximately 293,500 and 668,500 euros respectively, while in 2023, it approximated 688,000 euros.
Permissible wolf-deterrent measures in prevention zones, as per a list from the Rhineland-Palatinate State Forests, comprise costs associated with electric fences and accessories, labor charges for modifying an existing perimeter fence, or maintenance expenditures for a wolf-guarding canine. Such zones, such as those in the Westerwald or the Eifel, are designated given the suspicion of at least one local wolf inhabitant.
Since 2021, a joint coordination center for lynx and wolf (Kluwo) has functioned in Rhineland-Palatinate, acting as a central hub for queries concerning both species, dealing with monitoring, prevention, and public relations. The Kluwo expenditures, excluding livestock protection funding, have also escalated significantly in recent years: from around 240,000 euros in 2021 to around 597,000 euros in 2023.
Additional costs are incurred for the analysis of slain livestock. According to the Ministry, the spending for 2019 was around 8,400 euros, with the Environmental and Nature Foundation conducting the examinations at that time. In 2023, the expenses were roughly 34,000 euros. The assessment and documentation of a case, now managed by Kluwo, is a prerequisite for filing applications for indemnification against losses due to wolf attacks on livestock. The total sum of indemnification payments was around 1,685 euros in 2019 and around 4,800 euros in 2020. In 2022, the sum was roughly 13,900 euros.
The surge in expenditures can be attributed to the increasing wolf population in the state, although the numbers are still far from those of other federal states such as Lower Saxony or Brandenburg. The wolf has been re-established as a native species in Rhineland-Palatinate for twelve years, the Ministry stated in its response. The state's wolf management facilitates a harmonious coexistence between humans and wolves, an approach that has proven successful.
In 2012, the first wolf was detected in the Westerwald region after over a century in the present-day Rhineland-Palatinate area. The animal was unlawfully hunted a few weeks later. In response, the state formulated a wolf management plan, addressing concerns regarding precautions to implement in wolf-populated areas, suitable conditions, and identifiable contacts for agriculture and sheep farmers.
Other expenses related to wolf management in Rhineland-Palatinate include the costs for conducting public awareness campaigns, aiming to educate residents about living in harmony with wolves. Additionally, the implementation of research projects to study the impact of wolves on local ecosystems falls under the 'Other' category of expenditures.
