The wolf cannot be designated as a huntable species at regional level when its conservation status at national level is unfavourable, ruled the Court of Justice of the EU in a judgment (Case C-436/22) on Monday 29 July.
In Spain, in accordance with the Habitats Directive, Iberian wolf populations are subject to separate protection regimes: those located south of the River Duero benefit from strict protection. Populations north of this river are classified as ‘an animal species of Community interest that may be subject to management measures’.
Under a regional law, the wolf was designated as a huntable species north of the River Duero in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León (Spain). In 2019, the regional government approved a plan for the local exploitation of wolves in hunting territories north of this river for the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. Under this plan, a total of 339 wolves could be hunted.
The Association for the Conservation and Study of the Iberian Wolf (ASCEL) has lodged an appeal against this plan with the Superior Court of Justice of Castilla y León.
The Court replied that the regional law was contrary to the Directive. The fact that an animal species may be subject to management measures does not mean that its conservation status is favourable.
Where these measures include rules on hunting, they are intended to restrict hunting, not extend it. If necessary, hunting may even be banned.
Link to the judgment: https://aeur.eu/f/d5j (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)