Conservation for humans and nature.
Sweden's large carnivores have started to increase in number again, having been virtually exterminaed in the middle of the last century. Bears and lynx are doing best, whereas wolverine and wolf remain seriously endangered.
The preparation and implementation of the decision to hold the first quota-regulated wolf hunt in modern times went fairly well, but there’s room for improvement, according to reports by the Swedish EPA evaluating the quota-regulated hunt 2010.
The role of the county administrative boards has been enhanced in the new system of predator management.
In 2009, the Swedish Parliament decided to introduce the licensed hunting of wolves beginning in the winter of 2009-2010, and to take measures that would genetically invigorate the currently inbred Swedish wolf population
It is no simple matter to ascertain the size of a population in the wild. Surveys of wolverine, wolf and lynx are mainly made by tracking in the snow, while surveys of bears in Sweden nowadays include DNA testing of droppings.
The Council for Predator Issues was established at the Swedish EPA in 2002 to facilitate the implementation of the Coherent Predator Policy laid down by the Swedish Parliament.
The Swedish Parliament has decided to ensure the long-term survival of Sweden's large carnivores – brown bear, wolverine, golden eagle, lynx and wolf. A broad series of measures are taken to minimise conflicts and to prevent damage.
A study of tagged predators has shown that 25 per cent of the wolves have been killed illegally. The figure for lynx is 10 – 15 per cent.
The Swedish EPA issues licensed hunting and controlled orders on the basis of the hunting legislation, which has been harmonised with EC directives in the field. Since these predators are protected, there is no general hunting of them.
The majority of livestock and domestic animals killed by predators are reindeer. There are two systems used to compensate for and prevent loss, injury and damage caused by predators: one outside and one within the reindeer herding area.
The majority of Swedes living in areas where carnivores are found have a positive attitude towards them and the Swedish approach to managing them. There are also significant minorities who are critical to the prevailing predator policy.
Sweden's large carnivores have started to increase in number again, having been virtually exterminaed in the middle of the last century. Bears and lynx are doing best, whereas wolverine and wolf remain seriously endangered.