“In the Mirandese Plateau, from 2025 to the present date, 10 cases of damage caused by the Iberian wolf have been reported. In 2024, 22 cases were reported in the same geographical area,” stated the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF), after being questioned by the Lusa agency, without providing the exact number of animals killed during this period.
In the border municipality of Miranda do Douro, within the Bragança district, three wolf attacks were recorded in recent weeks in the villages of Malhadas, Fonte Ladrão, and Genísio. These attacks resulted in the death of several dozen animals and severe injuries to others.
The lack of food caused by fires and the territorial nature of wolves were cited as reasons for these attacks.
The latest known wolf attack in the Mirandese Plateau region occurred in the village of Genísio, in the municipality of Miranda do Douro, during the night of September 12 to 13. According to producer Patrícia Antão, this attack resulted in the death of 10 sheep and serious injuries to another 12 animals.
“We had the livestock in a farm about 200 meters from our house, near the road. The wolves attacked, leaving 10 sheep dead—some were pregnant—and 12 injured. The injured sheep, given the severity, will end up dying. The veterinarian is providing treatments, but the injuries are deep,” explained Antão to Lusa at the time.
The proximity of wolf attacks to villages is also alarming sheep and goat producers.
According to the ICNF, the Iberian wolf is classified as “endangered” in Portugal, granting it protected species status.
“At the European Union level, it is considered a priority species of community interest under the Habitats Directive,” emphasized the public body.
Recognizing the importance of the Iberian wolf in the natural balance of ecosystems and the enhancement and differentiation of the territory, along with efforts to improve public knowledge of the species, Portugal is committed to reconciling its conservation with human presence and activities.
Various protective measures for the species include compensation for damages caused by the Iberian wolf, along with several projects supporting livestock breeders and encouraging protective measures, such as the use of indigenous livestock guardian dogs (a project developed by the ICNF since the 1990s, and more recently by Grupo Lobo and Rewilding Portugal).
In July, the Alcateia 2025-2035 Program was presented, aimed at protecting the Iberian wolf, with a budget of 3.3 million euros for this year. It includes a revision of compensation for wolf attacks on livestock, bringing them closer to market values.
For example, ICNF director Nuno Banza explained at the time that compensation of 60 or 70 euros was typical when the market value of the animal would be 170 or 180. He added, “We do not completely match the market value, but we are getting closer.”
With the reinforcement of wolf protection, there is an increase in compensation for producers who adhere to the measures and suffer livestock losses due to wolf attacks, with the understanding that the compensation “is not an invitation to abandon animals,” something that also needs safeguarding. A fast verification and payment process is ensured.
