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WildlifeHalf of the wolves slaughtered in Valais should not have been
The DNA analyzes of wolves killed in November 2024 in the Val d’Hérens show that an animal in two did not belong to the pack targeted by slaughter.
Valais considers that the shots were made in legality, knowing that any wolf which is in the defined area can be shot (illustration image).
Yvain Genevay/Le Matin/AThe young Louve F236, killed on November 10 in the Val d’Hérens (VS), should not have been, reports the “Sonntagsblick”. And it is not the only one, because, out of the 34 animals slaughtered as a preventive basis in Valais between September 2024 and January 2025, half did not belong to the packs whose slaughter had been authorized by the Federal Office of the Environment (Ofen).
This is shown by the DNA analyzes of wolves drawn that the German newspaper was able to consult by invoking the law on transparency.
Approximate regulation
The article recalls that the slaughter territory is delimited on the basis of DNA samples, photographic traps and visual observations. As it is difficult to identify with the naked eye of belonging to a given pack, a precise delimitation of the perimeter is therefore essential.
The wolf defenders thus denounce approximate regulation, made possible by insufficient follow -up on the ground. For David Gerke, director of the Swiss wolf group, the result is disorganized but not eliminated packs, which makes their control even more complicated.
The Valais Service of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife considers that the shots were made in legality, knowing that any wolf that is in the defined area can be shot, regardless of whether it belongs to the pack or not. He announces that the shots will continue to take place in the approved perimeter.
OFEV support
The Federal Office of the Environment (OFEV) supports the Valais interpretation of the regulations. According to him, the cantons apply the regulations with “the required care”, but he recognizes that errors are inevitable.
An opinion not shared by the organizations of defense of wolves, for which the OFEF should better control the quality of cantonal requests.
Practical better targeted in Graubünden
In comparison with Valais, the Graubünden display a much lower wolf slaughter error rate: out of 48 animals slaughtered last winter, only five did not belong to targeted diets.
The canton puts on partial fire, more selective and concentrated on young individuals. A more expensive, but also more effective method according to observers. But for the time being, no scientific data yet makes it possible to decide between massive or targeted approach.
According to the Kora Foundation – which currently analyzes the impact of preventive hunting in two doctoral theses – it is still too early to draw scientific conclusions, notes the Zurich newspaper.
