SheepTag

Wolf attacks on sheep have increased in recent years. In 2023, 89.6% of livestock killed by wolves were sheep or goats, with an average of 4.5 animals per attack. These incidents are most common in areas where wolves are newly settling, and farmers have not yet adapted to their presence. While damage increases with the growing wolf population, proper herd protection can reduce losses.

Source: https://www.dbb-wolf.de/wolfsmanagement/herdenschutz/schadensstatistik (last visited 2023)

Wolves that learn to target unprotected sheep can cause significant damage, sometimes bypassing basic protective measures like a 90 cm high electric fence, which is often the legal minimum. This challenge highlights the tension between protecting livestock and complying with legal frameworks, alongside growing societal acceptance of wolves.

We conducted a stakeholder analysis to better understand wolf-livestock conflicts, engaging farmers, conservationists, and local authorities. Through interviews with a shepherd, hunter, and representatives from agricultural and conservation agencies, we gained valuable insights.

We discovered that sheep group together when threatened, allowing for focused monitoring without equipping each animal. Wolves quickly adapt to fences, finding weaknesses and bypassing barriers, including electric ones. Scents used as a defense also lose effectiveness over time.

We also considered the emotional and societal aspects of the issue. Wolves, seen as both a threat and a symbol of biodiversity, raise concerns about coexistence. Farmers, cautious about adopting new technology, prefer simple, easy-to-integrate solutions. This phase deepened our understanding and laid the foundation for targeted solutions.