“The attack occurred early Saturday morning, and I was alerted by the dogs accompanying me as I went to check on the animals. I followed them and found the calf already partially eaten by wolves,” recounted Eduardo Martins.
This livestock producer specializes in breeding ‘Limousine’ cattle, a breed with significant market value. He oversees 160 animals grazing in the Douro International Natural Park (PNDI).
“I would not sell this animal for even a thousand euros. Besides its value, there are other factors such as the attachment to this breed and everything that follows, especially concerning the calf’s mother, which is vital to care for,” he emphasized.
The producer also expressed frustration that “he will not receive compensation for the animal’s death because it was not yet a month old,” he stated.
“At two months of age, these animals are worth between 2,000 and 2,500 euros, which is the price I sell them for,” Martins highlighted.
Eduardo Martins is convinced that the attack was carried out by at least two wolves, given the marks left on the ground.
Earlier last week, ICNF reported that from July 25 to October 2, 22 wolf attacks were recorded in the Mirandese Plateau, affecting 113 animals and killing 83, mostly sheep.
“In these incidents, some still under confirmation for attribution to the wolf, 113 animals were affected, the majority (107) being ovines. In total, 83 animals died,” specified the organization linked to nature conservation at the time.
According to ICNF, “all damages caused by wolves are compensated whenever it is confirmed, through expertise, that the damage is indeed attributable to the species.”
The Iberian wolf holds endangered status in Portugal, granting it Protected Species Status, as described by the ICNF.
A group of shepherds from the Mirandese Plateau has complained that wolf attacks since the year’s start are “a calamity,” urging government action to help resolve this issue, which causes “significant losses.”
On Wednesday, the Government approved a revision of the Iberian wolf protection regime, updating compensation rules for livestock producers for damages caused by attacks, announced the Minister of the Presidency.
“We have updated and changed the compensation payment rules for livestock producers affected, as they are at the forefront of supporting a collective decision to protect or respect the protection of this rare animal, the Iberian wolf,” stated António Leitão Amaro.
According to the minister, in some areas of the country, such as Trás-os-Montes, “Iberian wolf attacks on livestock and farming operations have increased.”
