Wolves, otters, beavers – when the protection of some endangers others
Farmers, hunters, fishermen and wildlife breeders want to discuss with the Ministry of Agriculture (MZe) and the Ministry of the Environment (MŽP) selective protection of certain animal species. Some protected wildlife, according to them, causes damage, reduces biodiversity in nature and can threaten the environment as a whole.
Specifically it concerns wolves, otters, beavers, foxes or ravens. While wolves and foxes threaten farm animals, otters catch fish and other vertebrates, and beavers can disturb natural barriers, leading to floods or the formation of new wetlands.
The associations demand a systemic solution: less bureaucracy and protection of nature as a whole, not just individual species. Existing compensation, according to them, is insufficient and increasingly burdens the state budget.
Both ministries (MZe and MŽP) confirmed a joint meeting at the end of March. The issue also resonates at EU level.