Abstract
Since wolf-year 2014-2015, wolves have been recolonizing the
Netherlands, even though the small size of the country and the high
densities of humans and livestock. In this article, the main policies on
wolves and methods of monitoring wolves in the Netherlands are
explained. Field monitoring is mostly done by a coordinated network of
volunteers and use of genetics in both monitoring and livestock
depredation events. The strategy of collecting and validation of the
data is in line with the German standards, including a close
collaboration between the genetic laboratories in the CEwolf consortium.
In nine years of wolf monitoring, 15.347 reports of possible sightings
of wolves and their tracks have been documented and validated. Of these,
3666 reports (24%) classified as direct proof of wolf (C1) and 651
reports (4%) classified as indirect proof of wolf (C2). Most abundant
proof of wolves are sightings verified by imagery (N=2652), scats
(N=942) and livestock depredation events (N=648). Up to April 2023, 90
wolf individuals were genetically identified in the Netherlands. These
originated from Germany (36%), Belgium (13%) and the French
Italian-Alps (3%) or were born in the Netherlands (27%). The first
wolf territory was established in July 2018 and the population has
increased since, with four wolf packs, five wolf pairs and one solitary
territorial wolf in the Netherlands at the end of wolf year 2022/2023.
Most of the 648 livestock depredation events involved sheep (94%). In
only nine events, it was confirmed that the wolf deterrent fencing was
correctly placed. The perception on wolves to the Netherlands seem to be
ambiguous, even though the authorities aim for coexistence between
humans, livestock and wolves. An increase in international cooperation
regarding expertise with human-wildlife conflict and coexistence is
recommended.