Saturday, June 20Saturday, June 20
6 days · 2 summary articles
Valais moves to cull lynx as rural tensions rise: first Swiss canton seeks federal approval
Wolf sighting sparks clash over culling in Baselbiet as farmers demand action
The canton of Valais has become the first in Switzerland to move toward culling lynx, as authorities confirmed on Saturday they are preparing a formal request to federal regulators to control the predator population. The move marks a historic departure from decades of conservation policy and reflects growing tensions between wildlife protection and rural livelihoods in the Alpine region.
According to reports from SRF , the Valais government has initiated internal consultations ahead of submitting an application to the Federal Office for the Environment. While no timeline has been set for the formal request, officials have indicated that the dossier is being prepared to address concerns over livestock predation and ecological imbalances. The canton’s decision follows a series of incidents in recent months, including confirmed attacks on sheep and goats in high-altitude pastures near the Rhône Valley.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from conservation groups. “Lynx are a protected species under Swiss law, and culling should only be a last resort,” said a spokesperson for Pro Natura, the country’s largest environmental NGO. “We urge the canton to prioritize non-lethal measures such as better herd protection and compensation schemes for farmers.” The Valais government has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The move comes amid broader debates across Europe about predator management. In neighboring France, authorities in the Alps have deployed guard dogs and electric fences to reduce wolf attacks on livestock, while in Brandenburg, Germany, conservationists are experimenting with artificial islands and aluminum leg rings to protect migratory birds from habitat loss .
In Switzerland, lynx populations have rebounded since reintroduction programs began in the 1970s, with an estimated 300 to 350 individuals across the country. However, localized conflicts have intensified in regions where livestock farming remains a cornerstone of the rural economy. The Valais, home to some 200,000 sheep and goats, has seen a 15% increase in reported predation incidents over the past three years, according to cantonal agricultural records.
Federal regulations currently allow for the culling of lynx only under strict conditions, including proof of repeated attacks and failed preventive measures. The Valais government’s decision to seek an exception underscores the mounting pressure on policymakers to balance ecological goals with the economic realities of mountain agriculture. The outcome of the canton’s request could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges.
Η Αυστραλία επιβεβαίωσε το πρώτο της κρούσμα γρίπης των πτηνών H5N1 Εξετάσεις που έγιναν επιβεβαίωσαν ότι ένα θαλασσοπούλι, ένα καφέ σκούα, που βρέθηκε ενώ νοσούσε κοντά στην Έσπερανς, πόλη που βρίσκεται περίπου 570 χιλιόμετρα νοτιοδυτικά της Περθ, πρωτεύουσας της Δυτικής Αυστραλίας, έφερε το θανατηφόρο στέλεχος του ιού
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