The prefect recalls that the monitoring of the wolf population and the detection of their presence in the territories have been entrusted by the State to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB). The OFB has thus put in place rigorous scientific protocols and a national network of 5,000 trained correspondents. These monitoring methods are validated by the ministries in charge of Ecology and Agriculture. They make it possible to establish the State strategy which is being implemented in particular within the framework of the National Wolf Action Plan, announced last February for the period 2024-2029. In practice, wolf detection is based on signs of presence and reports of attacks on domestic herds. Genetic analyzes can also be carried out on the biological samples found (hair, droppings, blood, urine). They are not made directly from the corpses of animals victims of predation due to too strong
environmental pollution. The prefect emphasizes that, “taking into account the progression of the species on the national territory, and in the absence of proven presence confirmed by the OFB, it decided to request the classification of Maine-et-Loire in circle 3, corresponding to the possible areas of expansion of the wolf, which will be
effective at the beginning of January 2025”. With this in mind, on May 31, the prefect brought together all the stakeholders (parliamentarians and elected representatives of communities, agricultural profession, environmental associations, State services and operators, etc.) in order to share an update on the situation in the department. It will subsequently bring together, as necessary, the departmental wolf monitoring unit, in order to ensure precise monitoring.
Practical information: For more information – https://www.loupfrance.fr/.
