The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) revealed today that, according to the latest censuses, there are 300 Iberian wolves in the northern region, “top” predators whose attacks can be repelled with the support of cattle dogs.
“The ICNF is funding support for the acquisition of cattle dogs, such as the Transmontano, to guard herds,” Sandra Sarmento, the ICNF’s Northern regional director, told Lusa.
The shepherds of the Mirandese Plateau, in the district of Bragança, are apprehensive due to the growing number of wolf attacks in the vicinity of their villages. Since January, there have been six incidents handled by the nature watch teams of the Douro International Natural Park (PNDI), four of which were recorded in the municipality of Mogadouro.
Contacted by Lusa, Sandra Sarmento explained that the Iberian wolf is a protected species, being a top predator, and that, according to the latest censuses, which have yet to be published, there are 300 animals of this species in the northern region alone.
“The Iberian wolf is a top predator that has contributed to the balance of populations and the ICNF has an increased responsibility to protect it,” she said.
Sandra Sarmento also added that the ICNF has to take care to prevent wolves from approaching herds and the villages where they are grazed, using cattle dogs or electric fences.
On Monday, the ICNF assessed an alleged wolf attack on a flock in Vila de Ala, in Mogadouro, after the death of six ewes and three lambs, which the owner described as “an attack near the first houses at the entrance to the village”.
The owner of the flock attacked on Monday, Mário Mora, told Lusa that he believed that “from the bite” it was an attack by “a wolf or wolves” on his animals.
“The attack resulted in the death of a ram, six ewes and some calves a month or two old,” he said, adding that this was the first time his animals had been attacked.
Sandra Sarmento guaranteed that, with the support of cattle dogs, wolf attacks are largely repelled.
