Wolf (Dis)Protection in Spain: Exceptions to the Rules in the Bern Convention and in The Habitats Directive as a Conservation and Management Tool

The announcement that Spain was going to ban wolf hunting throughtout its territory has been the trigger reopen debate on and conservation management status. In Europe, unexpected success of policies led being considered as a pest or species detrimental agriculture livestock farming. This perception predators is present in inspires reservations exceptions rules Bern Convention Conservation European Wildlife those Habitats Directive Union, which provide for different protection statuses regimes. Exceptions these allow some states prohibit others it order avoid escalating conflicts with humans. Although this 'rule law biodiversity', guarantees legal wolf, practice serious lack compliance revealed, one threats wolf. A study application case Spanish courts Court Justice Union suggests legalisation cannot serve remedy deficit when there are alternatives. These may include criminal administrative prosecution their violation.