Mixed reactions as France prepares to simplify wolf culling rules

Overhunting, industrialisation and urban sprawl has progressively led to the disappearance of the wolf from most of western Europe since the beginning of the 20th century. AFP - MARTIN BUREAU

While French farming unions are glad their flocks be better protected from wolves thanks to changes to the government’s five-year management plan for the wild animals, environmental groups are angry.

The 2024-2029 Wolf Plan is supposed to represent a turning point towards a "better balance" between the protection of herds and the conservation of an endangered species, the Agriculture Ministry says.