As the wolf population continues to increase in Germany, we’re helping the wolves, people, and their livestock live safely together.
Problem
Wolves had been extinct in Germany for more than 150 years. In the 1990s, the wolves started to come back.
But there was a problem. In their 150-year absence, Germans had forgotten how to live alongside wolves. Farmers weren’t used to protecting their livestock, and were desperate to learn how.
Solution
Today, IFAW helps monitor the wolves. We publish maps to document pack locations, raise awareness and educate the public about wolves and how to keep safe, and equip livestock owners with information about how to protect their animals.
With the German Pastoralists Association of Professional Shepherds, we teach shepherds how to train and care for their sheep protection dogs.
We even have a fund to help shepherds cover some of the costs of sheep protection dog ownership. And we’re working to form a coalition of organizations and farming groups to find solutions on how wolves and farm animals can coexist.
Impact
In 2000, Germany witnessed the first successful wild breeding of wolves in more than 150 years. In monitoring year 2021/22, 161 wolf packs were proved, additionally 43 pairs and 22 single wolves were confirmed in Germany.
Every problem has a solution, every solution needs support.
The problems we face are urgent, complicated, and resistant to change. Real solutions demand creativity, hard work, and involvement from people like you.