Wolves killed, associations and institutions mobilised

After the discovery of the 18 wolves killed in various areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, investigations have begun to identify those responsible and mobilisation to save the other specimens. Environmental and animal welfare associations and institutions are in the field.

It all started with the latest reports of 18 wolves, three foxes and a buzzard being found dead in the territories of the municipalities of Pescasseroli, Alfedena, Bisegna and Barrea, in or near the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Worrying numbers that, as environmental experts point out, risk compromising biodiversity. "The WWF hopes that the investigation by the Sulmona Public Prosecutor's Office," the environmental organisation writes in a note, "will quickly lead to the identification of those responsible and that local communities will cooperate;

The WWF representatives point out another danger: 'It is not only wolves that are dying from poison, but many other animals, both wild and domestic,' the association points out. 'These episodes also jeopardise the survival of the Marsican brown bear, the symbol of those lands and now present with a population reduced to a few dozen individuals precisely in the areas sprinkled with poison'.

For Ispra president Maria Alessandra Gallone, one cannot 'allow illegal shortcuts that jeopardise not only a protected species, but the very balance of our ecosystems and the safety of our territories'. 

Also Legambiente looks at what has happened with concern, speaking of "a very serious fact and an unprecedented attack on protected wildlife" and calling on the government to mobilise to support this protected species also by supporting the National Park. Hence the request to the Government and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security to urgently convene, in Pescasseroli," a national round table involving the Park, the authorities in charge of the investigation, the municipalities falling within the protected area, and the many associations and organisations that have been working for years on the territory and for the protection of nature".