Poisoning is suspected in the deaths of 18 wolves within a few days in a national park that straddles three regions of central Italy.
After the carcasses of 10 wolves were found last week, another eight were discovered when patrols were stepped up in recent days in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park.
The park authority found traces of suspected poisoned bait in the vicinity of five dead wolves, which raised a very strong suspicion of further poisoning.
They are currently collaborating with local public prosecutors to determine the exact cause of death.
Initial suspicions have been corroborated by tests carried out by the local animal health research institute, IZS, which found the presence of pesticides for agriculture used in poisoned bait for animals in 13 of the dead wolves.
Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings as horrendous and serious, emphasizing the need for wolf protection for ecosystem balance.
The Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) stated that the incident jeopardizes significant advances in animal conservation. Moreover, poisoned bait poses risks to other protected species, domestic pets, and public safety.
Across Europe, wolves have seen population growth, with an estimated 3,300 wolves in Italy alone, posing challenges regarding livestock interactions that led to changes in their protection status.
Stefano Ciafani, head of environmental group Legambiente, labeled the deaths as an unprecedented attack on protected wildlife, warning it could incite further violence against endangered species like the Marsican brown bear.
