According to the Federal Environment Office, Switzerland has 36 wolf packs, including 11 cross -border.
Keystone / Michael Buholzer
Abandoned in 2010, the pasture of Aión is experiencing a second life thanks to the efforts of Sergio and Marco Losa, supported by the Bergwald Projekt Foundation. Its management has been completely redesigned to adapt to the wolf.
The cohabitation between the wolf and the rent animals is today one of the most complex challenges of mountain agriculture in Ticino. And in Aión-a historic pasture belonging to the town of Santa Maria, located above Cauco, on the territory of the Val Calanca park-it seems that it was successful. At least so far.
But let’s go back from the start. The pressure exerted by this predator in Italian Switzerland is very strong, and the situation is dramatic for many farmers. The model of the traditional pasture, where sheep and goats graze in freedom, gradually disappears with the return of the wolf. But not all of them are ready to give up this tradition and modernize their practices.
The risk is that in the absence of a change of course, mountain agriculture – already fragile – definitively loses one of its pillars: the alpine, made of animals which graze in harmony with nature. A cultural and human heritage threatened to disappear, with those who preserved it for generations.
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Wolf figures
On a national level, on January 31, 2025, the Federal Office of the Environment (OFEV) identified 36 packs, including 25 established in Switzerland and 11 cross -border, and authorized the slaughter of approximately 125 wolves for the period 2024/2025.
In Ticino, the Lupine population is increasing: five packs have been confirmed (Ozeernone, Val Colla, Carvina, Lepontino and Gridone) as well as six stable couples (three more than 2024), for an estimated total of 26 to 28 adults, not counting the stray individuals.
While in Valais and in Graubünden the authorities took stricter measures – with the slaughter of 34 wolves in Valais and 48 in Graubünden between September 2024 and January 2025 – only three specimens were killed in Ticino during the same period.
In 2025, the canton recorded 23 proven predation cases (and 16 others during verification), with 72 sheep and killed goats. If all cases still analyzed are confirmed, the balance sheet could reach 122 animals.
The frustration of breeders
The wolf is no longer afraid and now attacks herds in broad daylight. In breeders and breeders, frustration and feeling of helplessness grow. Many feel abandoned by institutions. Some have already decided or seriously plan to stop their activity.
The fear of new attacks, the difficulty of installing effective fences in steep terrains and the emotional weight of the loss of animals make the continuation of the profession more and more difficult. For many, the herd is not only a livelihood: it is part of the family, of identity. Seeing him threatened, day after day, is a deep injury.
>> The wolf attacks a herd in broad daylight, despite the presence of the shepherd and his dog:
The pasture of Aión: an example of cohabitation
Today, the AIón pasture is equipped with high -voltage electric fences (7,000 volts) over a fifty meter, a professional shepherd, a standing protection dog, two mountain huts, a stable and a mobile refuge for the night.
The constant presence of the shepherd, the dog and an innovative dissuasive device installed near the buildings has enabled this pasture – despite the presence of the wolf – not to undergo any attack so far.
A story of Renaissance
After the abandonment of the pasture in 2010, Sergio Losa and his son Marco, joined by Luca Plozza and Eros Savioni, relaunched it in 2017 thanks to the support of the Bergwald Projekt Foundation, with completely redesigned management.
“Today, we have fences in fence connected to a very strong current. Mounting them requires enormous work, but you have to adapt. Before, we did not talk about fences, but with the wolf, it has become essential, “explains Sergio Losa, farmer of Santa Maria who has taken his goats in Aión since childhood and now manages the alpine with his son.
From June to September, the pasture welcomes 200 goats, 25 sheep and 2 donkeys belonging to various Grisons and Ticino farmers. About half of the animals are transported by truck from Ticino.
“I send my Valais goats in Val Calanca because they cost 800 francs each and I am tired of offering this money to the wolf: I consider that in aión they are more safe,” said Giacomo Martinetti, farmer from Brione Sopra Minusio (TI). “There, there are fewer predations. In Valais and Graubünden, they intervene and eliminate some wolves. In Ticino, on the other hand … No need to talk about it, “he continues.
“In my opinion, cohabitation between goats, sheep and wolves is possible, provided that management is well done. But if too many wolves occupy the territory, managing an alpine pasture becomes complicated, ”adds Marco Losa.
>> RSI report:
La Vision de Bergwald project
Bergwald Projekt is a non -profit foundation based in Trin, in Graubünden, and active since 1987. It is committed to the protection and sustainable management of mountain forests and cultural landscapes in several alpine and medium mountain regions.
“Cohabitation with the wolf is possible: this is a problem that can be managed,” says Riccardo Siller, project manager at Bergwald Projekt. “Here we do it. And if Ticino farmers bring their animals to us, it is because they know that our system works. ”
“As a forest engineer, I am even satisfied with the presence of the wolf,” continues Siller, because it solves the problems caused by game in the forests. In this context, wolves do a good job. You just have to find a balance. Of course, the wolf causes damage, but ecologically, its presence is legitimate. ”
Text translated from Italian using an automatic translator/DBU
