The so-called reference value for a population size is the lowest number of individuals that are considered to need to exist at national level without the species becoming extinct.
"The reduction of the wolf population needs to be implemented step by step to ensure that a favourable conservation status is maintained and that protective and licence hunting can continue to be conducted. A first sub-goal is that the wolf stock should be reduced to 270 individuals by the next licence hunting in 2026", says Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD) in a press release.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, which is now tasked with reporting the new figure to the EU in 2025, has previously been critical of the change. The agency has in an investigation presented earlier this year, among other things, found that large efforts are required if a reduced wolf stock is to be kept alive.
Currently, there are approximately 355 wolves in Sweden, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation is also critical of the decision.
"The wolf is strongly threatened on the red list and needs protection", says Beatrice Rindevall, chairperson of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, in a press release.
