Presence of the wolf: The wolf committee mobilized for preserved pastoralism

The Hérault wolf committee recently met under the chairmanship of the prefect, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders: local elected officials, representatives of the Departmental Directorate of Territories and the Sea (DDTM), agents of the French Office of Biodiversity (OFB), as well as several agricultural unions. These discussions focused on an essential issue for this territory marked by a strong pastoral tradition: managing the presence of wolves. The gradual return of this emblematic animal raises many concerns, in particular for breeders in mountain areas, where cohabitation with wild fauna is both a daily challenge and a heritage to be preserved.

The National Wolf Plan: Concrete commitments from the State

In accordance with the directives of the national wolf plan, the State has reaffirmed its commitment to providing solid guarantees to breeders and residents of the areas concerned. Four major commitments were put forward during this meeting:

1. Total transparency : the State undertakes to communicate openly about the presence of wolves in the department of Hérault, by disseminating the information collected in a regular and precise manner.
2. In-depth analysis of indices : all evidence relating to wolves collected in the field will be carefully analyzed by the competent services in order to guarantee reliable data.
3. Responsiveness of the OFB : the French Biodiversity Office must intervene quickly, both to verify reports of predation and to initiate compensation for the breeders concerned. This speed of action is crucial to limit the psychological and economic impact of attacks on herds.
4. Inter-departmental coordination : the wolf being a mobile species without borders, continuous cooperation is put in place between the neighboring departments of Hérault, in particular Tarn, Aveyron and Gard, in order to follow and anticipate its movements.

Inventory of the Presence of the Wolf in Hérault

The presence of the wolf in Hérault, although limited, has been confirmed by several surveys since the start of the year. Here are the key figures communicated during this meeting:

• 71 clues relating to the presence of wolves have been collected since January 1, 2024, of which 28 were retained as conclusive.
• 4 wolf individuals have been confirmed, with a fifth suspected.
• Hérault has four main areas affected by the presence of wolves: Caroux, Somail, Larzac (on the edge of Aveyron), and Montagne Noire (straddling Hérault, Tarn and Aude ).
• No packs have been observed so far, suggesting that the wolf travels alone in these territories.

With an estimate of 1003 wolves across the entire national territory, the regional management of Hérault is part of a broader approach, taking into account local specificities.

Protective measures for breeders

The State has reaffirmed its determination to support breeders affected by wolf attacks. To ensure the protection of herds and meet the needs of farmers, several measures have been put in place:

• Findings and compensation : breeders who have suffered losses will benefit from financial support via rapid compensation, following verification of predation reports by the OFB.
• Defense firing authorizations : if necessary, defensive shooting is authorized to protect the herds, within the national limit set at 209 wolves. These authorizations may be simplified or strengthened depending on the situation on the ground.
• Aid for the protection of herds : subsidies for the purchase of protective equipment, such as suitable fencing and guard dogs, are available to breeders. Breeders can find out more and access assistance request forms here.

A challenge of balance between preservation and coexistence

The reappearance of the wolf in the rural areas of Hérault poses complex challenges: it is a question of ensuring the safety of herds while preserving biodiversity. The Wolf Committee meeting served as a reminder of the importance of constructive dialogue between the different stakeholders and to strengthen the tools put in place for transparent, responsive management that respects everyone's needs.

Beyond immediate measures, Hérault's approach to the presence of wolves aims to create a sustainable balance between human activities and wildlife, reflecting the values ​​of pastoralism in this territory.