A rare discovery in France of a pair of wolves, each from a distinct genetic background, has excited animal lovers demanding their protection and objections from farmers eager to protect livestock.
Environmental association Carduelis earlier this month reported it had spotted the pair of wolves, a male German-Polish wolf — a species found mostly in western Poland and eastern Germany — and an Italian she-wolf, usually native to the Italian peninsula.
Many European countries have reported an increase in wolf populations, aided by a return of deer, wild boar and other forms of prey.
While wolf packs typically remain in areas of no more than a few hundred square kilometers, young wolves can travel alone over thousands of kilometers.
The French finding, confirmed by authorities, has scientists speculating that a mix of both gene pools could produce a more resilient wolf population.
“This is a massive stroke of luck,” said Carmen Munoz Pastor of Carduelis. “It will allow a genetic mingling that is always favorable to animal or plant species.”
Any offspring carrying a genetic crossing of the two different European wolf lineages would be a first in France, Carduelis said.
Animal defense association One Voice called for the pair to be protected, including against the so-called “defensive” shooting of wolves.
Local authorities have permitted shooting, which they said allows farmers to protect their livestock from wolf attacks.
“The male wolf has already been injured,” One Voice president Muriel Arnal said.
“Some livestock farmers have so much hatred of wolves at a time when they are returning to France naturally,” she said.
Arnal said the two animals were the only wolves on a massive plateau in the Correze department in central France, about 500km south of Paris.
“There’s room for everybody,” she said.
Arnal has pleaded with local authorities to ban wolf shooting, recommending the use of guard dogs instead, but to no avail.
Twenty-five local livestock farmers continue to be authorized to shoot at wolves who they suspect of killing dozens of farm animals every year.
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