Description
Conflicts between wolves and livestock are common in areas where both coexist and the recolonization of wolves again poses problems of coexistence in these areas of expansion. The study area of the present work comprises the center of Spain, province of Avila, Segovia and Community of Madrid (area of recent colonization of the species). In this context, it is important to solve the problems that may arise between farmers and the species in order to guarantee its conservation (in Spain the wolf is protected by Directive 92/43/EEC, European Habitats Directive, south of the Duero River it is included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection Regime). For this, it is necessary to know the opinion of the farmers and the reasons why they may be more or less inclined to collaborate in the conservation of the species.
This study could help to understand the origin of the conflict and to establish strategies to bring the interests of ranchers and conservationists closer together in the problem areas. It suggests that in order to ensure the conservation of the species, it is necessary to establish lines of action based on a dialogue between the parties together with the support of compensation for damages to livestock, being the way to propose an adequate scenario for coexistence with the wolf.
Knowing and evaluating the opinion of this sector and its degree of involvement in the conservation of predators is the way forward.
