During a departmental “wolf” committee, the prefect of Finistère asked the Minister of the Environment to be able to carry out DNA analyses.
DNA analyzes carried out from saliva tests on prey predated by wolves are not deployed at the national level, the prefect of Finistère would like to be able to put it in place.
An increase in predation, particularly on cattle:
The number of reports of damage to domestic animals continues to increase. 8 in 2022 (including 6 with a “wolf not excluded” conclusion). 60 in 2023 (including 25 “wolf not excluded”). And 80 in 2024 (including 34 “not excluded wolves”) as of November 13.
The year 2024 was also marked by the appearance of predation on cattle. The wolf could be behind 7 attacks on young cattle since the start of the year.
In April 2023, genetic material (hair) was collected in the commune of Sizun. Sent to laboratory for analysis. The individual identified is a male wolf, of German or Polish lineage. Only DNA profile identified to date in the department. Which does not mean, however, that there is not more than one wolf in the department.
Implementation of saliva analyzes on an experimental basis in the department of Finistère
The national action plan on wolves and breeding activities 2024-2029 does not plan to deploy genetic analyzes on saliva samples taken from prey. These analyzes could provide interesting information on colonization fronts where the lupine population is still low.
The prefect of Finistère proposed to the ministry in charge of ecology and to the prefect coordinating the wolf plan, that this technique could be implemented, on an experimental basis, in Finistère. Like that implemented in the Ardennes. The objective is to be able to obtain a better genetic identification of the individual(s) present. But also to analyze their behavior(s). And to consolidate the count of the lupine population in Finistère, without impacting the compensation process for breeders.
Administrative measures (“circle” orders) have been in force in the department since January 2023 to allow breeders to have access to aid for the protection of herds.
To take into account recent predations, the departmental “wolf” committee extends circle 1 from 10 to 18 municipalities and circle 2 from 66 to 82 municipalities for the year 2025, zonings which give right to support by the State protection spending.
Finally, as part of a national experiment, five farms in Finistère obtained subsidies to test the introduction of protection dogs into cattle herds.
