Restore strict protection for wolves in Europe | Science

After centuries of persecution that drove wolf (Canis lupus) populations to the brink of extinction in most European countries (1), conservation measures and changes in land use have allowed the species to start slowly recovering (2). However, on 5 June, the Council of Europe approved the decision of the European Commission (EC) to downgrade the legal status of wolves in the Habitats Directive from Strictly Protected to Protected (3). Wolves classified as Strictly Protected could only be removed by derogation and on an individual basis, whereas wolves with Protected status could be removed as a result of culling plans, which puts population recovery in jeopardy (4). Given the gaps in knowledge about wolf populations and continued threats to the species in Europe, wolves should remain Strictly Protected.