In France, a rare discovery of a pair of wolves, each from a unique genetic background, inspired animal lovers to demand their protection and farmers who are eager to protect their livestock.
Environmental Association Carduelis reported earlier this month that it discovered the pair of wolves, one of which was just a German male wolf – a species mostly in western Poland and eastern Germany, while the other is an Italian wolf, usually the Italian peninsula.
Many European countries have reported that the increase in wolf populations has helped in the return of deer, wild boars and other forms of prey.
While wolves are usually reserved in areas no more than a few hundred square kilometers (miles), young wolves can travel thousands of kilometers by themselves.
The French discovery confirmed by authorities, scientists speculated that a mixture of both gene pools could produce more elastic wolf populations.
“It was a huge luck,” said the pastor of the Carmen Munoz Society.
“This will allow for the genetic mixing of animals or plant species at all times.”
Kadulis said any offspring that carries the genetic transit of two different European wolf lineages is the first in France.
A voice from the Animal Defense Association called for protection of the couple, including against the so-called “defensive” shooting.
Local authorities allowed the shooting, which they said allowed farmers to protect livestock from wolf attacks.
“The male wolf has been injured,” said a voice president Muriel Arnal.
“Some livestock farmers have a lot of hatred towards wolves when they return naturally to France,” she said.
The two animals are the only wolves on the huge plateau of the Correz department in central France, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Paris, ARNAL said.
“Everyone has space,” she said.
ARNAL has begged local authorities to ban wolf shooting and recommend the use of guard dogs, but to no avail.
About 25 local livestock farmers continue to be authorized to shoot at wolves they suspect they kill dozens of farm animals each year.
“The threat is urgently needed to be stopped,” the local agricultural association said in a joint statement.
“We don’t want any wolf,” said Emmanuel Lissajoux, president of the FDSEA Federation.
“We have to think of our livestock and our business.”
European gray wolves eat an average of two to five kilograms (4.4 to 11 pounds) of meat per day.
Their favorite prey in the wild includes deer. But they may also follow available captive farm animals, including sheep and cattle.
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