Balancing Pastoral Farming and Rewilding: The Return of Wolves in the Black Forest

Friday, October 13th, 2023, was a beautiful autumn day with 30o Celsius in the Upper Rhine Plain and brilliant hiking weather on the heights of the southern Black Forest.

The Black Forest in southwestern Germany has long been a symbol of natural beauty and cultural significance. Its lush landscapes, dense woodlands, and traditional pastoral farming practices have shaped the region's identity for centuries. However, as the world grapples with the consequences of habitat loss and species extinction, efforts for rewilding have also gained momentum in this iconic region.

Rewilding aims to return landscapes to a state of minimal human intervention. But, as with everything in life, this approach, while offering certain ecosystem benefits, introduces new challenges such as human-wildlife conflicts in agriculture, forestry, and disease dynamics (e.g., zoonosis).

A rather controversial case in point is the reintroduction of wolves that commenced in the year 2000 in East Germany. Since then, the wolf, which had gone extinct in Germany 150 years ago, steadily expanded its habitat and now lives again in the Black Forest. Since 2023 there is once again a wolf pack here with us in the southern Black Forest … though I’m still to see one for myself in the wild!

The return of wolves has ignited tensions between farmers and conservationists, primarily due to livestock predation. The region is home to a variety of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and has historically been known for its dairy production. Although the idyllic, rolling hills and open meadows provide ample grazing opportunities for these animals, this must not deceive about the fact that agriculture in the southern Black Forest takes place on marginal land. These are areas where, due to poor soil conditions, steep slopes and the harsh climate, only little yield can be generated. Not surprisingly then, local farmers have always been deeply connected to their land and animals, allowing for a strong sense of land stewardship and responsibility for their environment.

In this context of marginal pastoral farming, wolf reintroduction is bound to disrupt grazing strategies thus affecting sustainable agricultural practices. Wolves pose threats to livestock and also alter the behavior of grazing animals, impacting agricultural productivity further.

While the reintroduction of wolves aims to restore lost biodiversity and naturally regulate ecosystems, there is an urgent need to strike a balance between noble ecological goals and harsh economic realities. Because wolf attacks on cattle, sheep and goats result in economic losses and emotional distress for farmers.

Also, the diverse landscape of the southern Black Forest with its harmonious blend of pastures and forests can only be preserved through pastoral farming. By feeding on various types of vegetation, grazers prevent any one plant species from dominating an area. Without grazers, the Black Forest may experience a process called ecological succession, where certain plant species – in this case primarily fir and pine trees - gradually take over again and convert the region back into a dense, dark evergreen "black" forest.

In light of this conflict, various mitigation measures are being explored, including non-lethal deterrents for wolves such as electric fences and guard dogs, and providing compensation for wolf kills. The challenge is to find solutions that benefit both humans and animals, allowing coexistence while addressing economic concerns and ecological goals.

Against the background of the increasing numbers of wolf attacks on grazing animals and farmers’ growing frustration with the restrictions imposed on them and the lack of support and understanding from the bureaucracy, the German Minister of the Environment has presented a proposal these days to facilitate the immediate shooting of wolves caught in the act and possibly even the killing of wolves on suspicion.

Overall, the conflict between pastoral farming and wolf reintroduction in the Black Forest underscores the need for smart policies and collaborative efforts to address the economic and ecological as well as emotional dimensions of this complex issue.