The official numbers
"The Polis study presented today offers a valuable insight, but also confirms that current official data are still underestimated compared to the real pressure that the Lombardy region is experiencing. Regarding the wolf and large predators, the discrepancy between estimates and daily reports from farmers and citizens is evident: a realistic approach is needed that puts the management and safety of rural communities at the center." This is how the regional councilors of the Brothers of Italy party Pietro Macconi, Alberto Mazzoleni and Michele Schiavi commented on the results of the research on the presence of wolves. large predators and invasive species in Lombardy.
The importance of management
The report highlights significant margins of uncertainty: for wolves, the presence of approximately 50 pairs is estimated, while for species like the coypu, the variability fluctuates dangerously between 700.000 and 2,3 million individuals. "These numbers, although partial, tell us that there is no longer time for ideological slogans alone. Management must return to the Regions to respond to the concrete needs of the mountains and anthropized areas," the councilors continue.
Scientific knowledge
On this very front, Schiavi emphasizes a fundamental step forward achieved thanks to his work in the Council: "Through a specific question on the topic, we acknowledged ISPRA's important commitment to launch a new wolf monitoring program. This step is crucial: it will finally allow us to have updated and certified data, essential tools for scientific knowledge. However, while we await the completion of this new census, we must proceed without delay and launch the containment plan: we cannot allow the wait for data to stall management interventions that can no longer be postponed, which are essential to guarantee viable coexistence and the survival of the agricultural and pastoral sector."
The first step to take
Macconi, Mazzoleni, and Schiavi conclude with an institutional thank you to the Agriculture and Development and Protection of Mountain and Border Areas – Relations between Lombardy and the Swiss Confederation commissions for promoting this study, and to the Polis researchers for their work. Having a solid foundation is the first step from analysis to emergency intervention: protecting biodiversity cannot ignore the protection of those who live and work in the area.
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