Yet another predation
“The contemporary shepherd today finds himself in the paradoxical role of being the guarantor of the wolf, he has in fact transformed from guardian of the flock to involuntary supplier of food for predators. In the past, sheep farming represented a future prospect for families and subsequent generations, offering study opportunities and economic security. Today the same activity has become an arduous financial challenge." Giuseppe Zizi, owner of a historic company in the Maremma, expresses his dismay after yet another attack on his sheep: “I can no longer feel bitterness, but only profound disappointment. I have implemented all precautions to avoid attacks, but since last October every week we have recorded at least one or two incidents of aggression. Overall, over 50 sheep were mauled, causing extensive damage that is impossible to recover." The latest attack, which occurred on Friday, led to the loss of 8 animals, leaving stripped carcasses and animals shot to death on the meadow.
Resignation and discouragement
“Sometimes I don't even notify the competent authorities - comments Zizi - such is my resignation and the certainty that it is of no use, because the attack does not end with the counting of the dead or dying sheep, but with the counting of the indirect damages that they are huge: terrified sheep, abortions and a decrease in milk production. Pastoralism was an art intrinsic to the Maremma, an activity that allowed us to control the territory and is now undergoing a slow process of disintegration. The sheep heritage is destined to disappear, leaving behind only traces of a tradition that someone seems intent on firmly wanting to erase. And in the dismay lies another dismay - he concludes - that all this doesn't really seem to be of interest to those who should protect or support us".
The predator problem
“The recent attack on the farmer Zizi represents yet another episode in a long series and, like Cia Grosseto, we express, once again, our solidarity with this farmer. This pain is not just formal, since for years we have intervened, wherever possible, to raise the no longer manageable problem of predators. A non-stop battle despite the hostilities we encountered along the way because we were aware of the daily tragedy experienced by our shepherds -Claudio Capecchi, president of Cia Grosseto, does not mince words to remind us how much effort has been made in recent years alongside the farmers. In 2019, with an important conference, and subsequently on every other occasion, we reiterated the need to intervene to save the sector, but this was not the case and today the situation is unsustainable in our land". “To face this challenge, two approaches are necessary - explains Capecchi -. Initially, we need to provide immediate support to farms to compensate for losses and management costs, estimated at around 50-60 euros per sheep per year.
Application of the exemption
However, the resources due must not burden rural development funds, but must be found elsewhere, for example through a contribution from the community. Otherwise, the farmers themselves would be forced to cover the damage suffered. The second approach must necessarily aim to contain the number of predators. It is therefore essential to reconsider the Habitats Directive to significantly reduce the number of large carnivores, wolves or hybrids. This is a crucial step, but it takes time. In the meantime, it is essential to provide concrete financial support to companies, allocating the 50-60 euros previously mentioned to support farmers forced to increase expenses to protect their livestock and ensure their survival." “Finally - concludes Capecchi - we await the scientific analysis for the revision of the Habitats Directive by Europe, which is evaluating the possibility of greater flexibility and a 'downgrading' of the protection status. In the meantime, since the law allows it, we ask for the application of the exemption contained in the Habitats Directive to consistently reduce the number of predators in areas considered to be at high risk" (source: CIA Grosseto).
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