Impressive numbers
There are almost 2.500 predation events in Tuscany to the detriment of livestock farms in a five-year period. 500 a year. More than one a day. Sheep and goat farms are the most affected by the excessive presence of predators with 7 heads killed and almost 17% of farms damaged four or more times considering the calendar year. A cost also for the community which had to pay out 2,7 million euros in the period 2015-2019, solely for compensation for the massacres. These are some of the data from the Ispra study reported by Coldiretti Toscana after the attack on a woman by a wolf in the Municipality of Porcari. “Farmers, since time immemorial, have lived in peace with wolves. But today we find ourselves facing a phenomenon that is not managed. - explains the President of Coldiretti Toscana, Fabrizio Filippi - Predations are the main cause of the closure of many farms in our region like wild boars for traditional farms with serious repercussions on biodiversity, employment and land maintenance. We must find a sustainable balance that preserves the wolf species in purity without however representing a heavy criticality for the survival of companies and farms".
Proximity to homes
According to the study by Life WolfAlps EU there are around 3.300 wolf specimens in Italy of which almost 2.400 along the peninsular regions with a very high probability of presence in Tuscany where it has colonized almost all suitable environments and where it is no longer unusual also meet him near the houses as evidenced by numerous videos. The presence of predators even near homes, in anthropised areas, is no longer a taboo. The sightings are daily and with them the concern of the inhabitants grows.
Management of wildlife species
For Coldiretti Toscana, the national plan for the management of wild species can no longer be postponed. The numbers seem to confirm that the wolf is no longer in danger. The institutions must courageously define a national plan that looks at what other EU countries such as France and Switzerland have done to defend farmers and farmed animals. Responsibility is needed in the defense of farms, shepherds and breeders who courageously continue to guard the mountains and guarantee the beauty of the landscape. Without pastures - concludes the main royal agricultural organization - the mountains die, the environment deteriorates and landslides and floods threaten the cities.