Wolf attacks near Douro villages worry pastors

Shepherds from Planalto Mirandes in Bragança district are concerned about the increase in wolf attacks in the vicinity of human settlements, which occur within the protected area of ​​the Douro Natural Park International (PNDI).

The technical secretary of the Association of Churra Mirandes Breeders, based in Malladas, in the municipality of Miranda do Douro, Andrea Cortiñas, told Lusa that there had been reports from partners related to wolf attacks, resulting in several producers becoming victims, leaving pastors fearful .

“In January, a wolf attack was recorded nearby, about 50 meters from our association headquarters, very close to the village of Malkhadas, which resulted in the death of 10 adult animals and several lambs. There is another message in Sana’a. Martinho do Peso, in the municipality of Mogadouro, where a young producer was left without half of his workforce,” explained the technician.

“These alleged wolf attacks result in severe losses for shepherds and sheep producers, because a genetic heritage of enormous value is lost, coupled with financial losses for livestock farms,” he stressed to Andrea Cortiñas.

In this way, this method promotes dialogue between livestock producers, wolf associations and the Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), as well as other organizations related to the environment and conservation.

“I think we will have to sit down to discuss specific measures that should be taken. We understand that we must protect the Iberian wolf and also preserve the Churra Mirandes breed. For this reason, the shepherds will have to be compensated for the damage caused by the wolf,” said Andrea Cortiñas.

On Monday, the ICNF assessed a suspected wolf attack on a flock in Vila de Ala, Mogadorou, following the death of six sheep and three lambs, which the owner described as “an attack near the first houses at the entrance to the village.” .

According to the ICNF, the expert report will be subject to technical analysis and, if it is confirmed that the damage was caused by a wolf, the owner will receive appropriate compensation.

This Thursday, the ICNF reported that, according to the latest census, there are 300 Iberian wolves in the Northern region, “apex” predators whose attacks can be repelled by domestic dogs.

Since January, there have been six such cases processed by nature monitoring teams from the Parque Natural Douro International (PNDI), four of which were recorded in the municipality of Mogadouro, in the district of Bragança.

The owner of the herd that was attacked on Monday, Mario Mora, told Lusa he believed “due to death” it was an attack by a “wolf or wolves” on his animals.

“The attack killed a ram, six ewes and several cubs aged a month or two,” he said, adding that this was the first time his animals had been attacked.