Wolf Managing Strategy Needs in Northern Germany

Wolf populations have expanded across Germany over the course of the last 20 years. The number of wolf packs has risen from one in 2000 to 47 in 2016. Along with the spreading range, wolf encounters have risen, as well as the... [ view full abstract ]

Wolf populations have expanded across Germany over the course of the last 20 years. The number of wolf packs has risen from one in 2000 to 47 in 2016. Along with the spreading range, wolf encounters have risen, as well as the number of predatory attacks on livestock. A lot of misinformation and myths continue to exist about wolves specifically, and large predators in general. Given that wolves have been extirpated from Germany for more than 100 years, traditional knowledge about human preparedness for wildlife encounters and livestock protection has declined, creating the need to re-establish practical and traditional knowledge.

The presentation focuses on the Northern German state of Lower Saxony, where actual and perceived conflicts with wolves are currently dominating the public debate. Using an analysis of the current wolf management strategy for Lower Saxony, paired with future population trends, the presentation will identify where common wildlife management practices found in Europe need to be complemented by adding a human dimensions perspective. In addition, a qualitative stakeholder analysis, based on media analysis and stakeholder interviews, will be presented to identify existing information networks and their potential contribution to the human dimensions perspective, especially where it is necessary to overcome historical perspectives between different values and world views such as mutualism or utilitarianism. In conclusion, it will be demonstrated how the recovery of the wolf in combination with human dimension issues could be agents for change in nature conservation strategies and conflict resolution for some Central European landscapes.