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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.<\/p>\n
Environmental association Carduelis reported earlier this month it had spotted the pair of wolves, one a male German-Polish wolf — a species found mostly in western Poland and eastern Germany — and the other an Italian she-wolf, usually native to the Italian peninsula.<\/p>\n
Many European countries have reported an increase in wolf populations, aided by a return of deer, wild boar and other forms of prey.<\/p>\n
While wolf packs typically remain in areas of no more than a few hundred square kilometres (miles), young wolves can travel alone over distances of thousands of kilometres.<\/p>\n
The French finding, confirmed by authorities, has scientists speculating that a mix of both gene pools could produce a more resilient wolf population.<\/p>\n
“This is a massive stroke of luck,” said Carmen Munoz Pastor of the Carduelis association.<\/p>\n
“It will allow a genetic mingling that is always favourable to animal or plant species.”<\/p>\n
Any offspring carrying a genetic crossing of the two different European wolf lineages would be a first in France, Carduelis said.<\/p>\n
Animal defence association One Voice called for the pair to be protected, including against the so-called “defensive” shooting of wolves.<\/p>\n
Local authorities have permitted shooting, which they say allows farmers to protect their livestock from wolf attacks.<\/p>\n
“The male wolf has already been injured,” said One Voice president Muriel Arnal.<\/p>\n
“Some livestock farmers have so much hatred of wolves at a time when they are returning to France naturally,” she said.<\/p>\n
Arnal said the two animals were the only wolves on a massive plateau in the Correze department in central France, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Paris.<\/p>\n
“There’s room for everybody,” she said.<\/p>\n
Arnal has pleaded with local authorities to ban wolf shooting, recommending the use of guard dogs instead, but to no avail.<\/p>\n
Some 25 local livestock farmers continue to be authorised to shoot at wolves who they suspect of killing dozens of farm animals every year.<\/p>\n
“It is urgent to stop the threat,” local farming associations said in a joint statement.<\/p>\n
“We don’t want any wolves,” said Emmanuel Lissajoux, president of the FDSEA federation.<\/p>\n
“We must think of our livestock and our business.”<\/p>\n
European grey wolves eat between two and five kilogrammes (4.4 to 11 pounds) of meat per day on average.<\/p>\n
Their favourite prey in the wild includes deer. But they may also go after captive farm animals where available, including sheep and cattle.<\/p>\n
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