Updated data
The new report “Wolf mortality in Italy in the period 2019–2023” by the association “I'm not afraid of the wolf” allows us to observe this phenomenon Through official data collected extensively across the country. This complex effort, built over a year and a half of work and over sixty requests for Generalized Civic Access, allowed us to obtain information from regional and national agencies, animal health institutes, veterinary services of local health authorities, ISPRA (Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection), and other technical bodies. A high, constant, and increasing mortality rate.
A partial reality
According to the association, the picture that emerges is clear: between 2019 and 2023, 1.639 dead wolves were found in Italy, increasing from 210 cases in 2019 to 449 in 2023, or more than one wolf death every day. This figure has more than doubled, which certainly reflects an overall increase in the population, but also raises important questions. Such a high number indicates constant and increasing pressure, linked to anthropogenic factors that profoundly impact the wolf population. Furthermore, the overall mortality described in the report does not represent the entire reality: a significant portion of wolf deaths are never found because the carcasses can be consumed by other animals, decompose rapidly, or remain in inaccessible or remote areas. This means that the reported numbers, while impressive, most likely represent only a small portion of the true phenomenon.
Road accidents
Analyzing the causes of death, we find that over 70% of known cases are directly or indirectly linked to humans. Road and rail accidents account for the largest share of confirmed deaths: over 978 wolves were struck during the five-year period analyzed. This data highlights the tangible impact of land fragmentation, the expansion of infrastructure, and the lack of adequate ecological corridors on wildlife.
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Poaching
Alongside investments, the impact of poaching is also evident, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 210 wolves during the period under review. This significant number, however, as already noted, represents only the visible part of the phenomenon, as many carcasses of illegally killed wolves are never found, having been intentionally hidden or ended up in inaccessible places. Several studies suggest that the actual number of wolf victims of poaching could be up to three times higher than documented cases, suggesting up to 600 animals were killed illegally in Italy during the period under review.
