How farmers in Tuscany have reduced wolf attacks by almost half through fences and guard dogs

A European project funded by the LIFE program and implemented in the province of Grosseto in Tuscany has reduced wolf attacks on livestock by 47% and the number of animals killed by 50%, through the introduction of protective fences and guard dogs, in a model of cooperation between farmers, authorities, and environmental organizations.

In the province of Grosseto in Tuscany, the introduction of preventive measures such as fences and guard dogs for herds, combined with cooperation between farmers, local authorities, and environmental organizations, has reduced wolf attacks on animals by 47% and the number of animals killed by 50%.

In short 1. The return of wolves to the area, which began in the 1980s, has led to an increase in attacks on dairy sheep, essential for small semi-extensive farms.

2. Farmers' frustration with preventive measures deemed ineffective has led, in some cases, to the illegal killing of wolves.

3. The introduction of fences and guard dogs, along with financial support of up to 2,500 euros per farm and local collaboration, has significantly reduced attacks.

4. The estimated costs for these preventive measures for a typical farm are 43–54 euros per animal per year.

The province of Grosseto in Tuscany is characterized by agricultural land, forests, and hilly terrain, and livestock farming, especially sheep, has long been a central component of the local economy. The return of wolves to the region has created tensions with small farms, as the number of wild animals has begun to increase and expand in the area since the 1980s, after decades in which there were only a few specimens.

The expansion of the wolf population has been followed by an increase in attacks on dairy sheep, a critical resource for semi-extensive agricultural systems in the region. In this context, regional authorities have tried to limit the impact through compensation schemes and preventive measures. For many farmers, these measures have been perceived as insufficient or difficult to implement, and the legal protection of wolves has been seen by some as a direct threat to their livelihoods. Frustration has grown as economic losses continued, and some cases have led to the illegal killing of wolves.

To reduce conflict, farmers and authorities have begun to implement preventive measures adapted to local conditions. These have included electric or metal fences and specially trained dogs to protect herds. In total, 79 fences have been installed on 67 farms, and guard dogs have been introduced in 27 farms to protect the herds. In parallel, farmers received financial support of up to 2,500 euros for implementing these solutions.

The measures have been implemented on 86 farms and have been supported by monitoring and technical assistance for farmers. Guard dogs have been vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, and specialists have provided support in the first months after their introduction into the herds. To evaluate effectiveness, some animals and dogs have been equipped with GPS devices, and regular visits to farms have monitored how preventive measures are being used.

Results indicated a significant reduction in the impact of wolves on farms. Attacks on animals decreased by 47%, and the number of animals killed was reduced by 50%. At the same time, the majority of farmers evaluated the implemented solutions positively: 81% supported the use of fences, and 74% appreciated the effectiveness of guard dogs.

Alongside technical measures, cooperation between farmers and other local actors has become a central element of the model. Farmers have created a network for exchanging experiences regarding the management of guard dogs and for mutual support. Meetings and workshops have been organized between farmers, authorities, and environmental organizations to identify solutions and establish common actions to reduce conflicts with large carnivores.

The costs for adopting and maintaining these preventive measures on a typical farm have been estimated between 43 and 54 euros per animal per year. Approximately 52% of costs are related to additional labor, mainly work done by family members of the farmers, highlighting the role of adapted solutions and technical support in integrating these measures into agricultural activity.

The model applied in Tuscany is part of a broader series of European initiatives aimed at reducing conflicts between farmers and large carnivores. Similar programs for the use of guard dogs have been implemented in Greece and Portugal, and in France, a network of experts has been created to support farmers in using these methods of protecting herds.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/cum-au-redus-fermierii-din-toscana-atacurile-lupilor-cu-aproape-jumatate-prin-garduri-si-caini-de-paza