Wolf Population in Sweden Declines to 355 as Genetic Health Improves
Sweden's wolf population has dropped to 355, down from 375, amid improvements in genetic health.
Key Points
- • Wolf population in Sweden now estimated at 355, down from 375 last year.
- • Lowest inbreeding rate in over 25 years due to five Finnish-Russian wolves.
- • Population decline continues for the third year, influenced by various factors.
- • Territorial shifts observed, with increases in Örebro and Västmanland.
The latest findings from Naturvårdsverket reveal that Sweden’s wolf population has decreased to approximately 355 individuals for the winter of 2024/2025, down from 375 the previous winter. This decline marks the third consecutive year of a decreasing trend in wolf numbers, part of a broader Scandinavian estimate of around 400 wolves, predominantly located in Sweden. Contributing factors to the population decline include licensed hunting, traffic accidents, disease, and illegal hunting.
Mona HansErs, the head of the wildlife analysis unit at Naturvårdsverket, highlighted the significance of these inventory results for wildlife management, stating, "These numbers are crucial for guiding management decisions and aligning with political objectives." One positive takeaway from the report is the notable improvement in the genetic health of the population, evidenced by the lowest inbreeding coefficient in 25 years due to the integration of five Finnish-Russian wolves.
Regionally, the data show an increase in wolf territories in areas such as Örebro and Västmanland, while regions like Värmland and Dalarna reflect decreasing territories. Sven-Olof Sandberg from Jägarnas Riksförbund expressed contentment with the findings, advocating for expanded licensed hunting as a method for effective population management, and critiquing the notion of illegal hunting mentioned in the report, asserting the integrity of the hunting community.