Journal Article

Bridging the gap between science, policy and stakeholders: Towards sustainable wolf–livestock coexistence in human-dominated landscapes

König, Hannes J, von Arx, Manuela, Linnell, John Durrus, Kiffner, Christian, Eklund, Ann, Jansman, Hugh A.H, Rigg, Robin, Hare, Darragh, Ostermann-Miyashita, Emu-Felicitas, Uthes, Sandra, Stone, Suzanne A, Kirkland, Hannah

2025

Overview

1. While the return of wolves (Canis lupus) to many European countries is a conservation milestone, the negative impacts are unevenly distributed across society, placing high pressure on livestock grazing systems. 2. For this perspective, scientists from diverse disciplines and geographical backgrounds reflect on the state of livestock–wolf interactions in Europe and formulate recommendations for enabling wolf–livestock coexistence. 3. We argue that co-designing, co-implementing and co-disseminating research with key stakeholders, such as livestock farmers, is a productive approach to developing and implementing locally appropriate coexistence strategies. 4. Decision-making should be informed by scientific evidence. We recommend that ecological data on wolves and livestock are collected and shared across borders. Evidence from the social sciences is important for understanding the human dimension of wolf–livestock interactions. 5. We suggest bridging the gaps within multidisciplinary wolf–livestock research to strengthen interdisciplinary insights, comprehensively evaluate management approaches and guide governance and policy decisions that properly account for inherent complexities. 6. Policy implications: As wolf populations and their impacts continue to grow in Europe, policymakers at all levels must make decisions that adequately safeguard wolf populations while simultaneously protecting livestock and livelihoods. This requires access to reliable scientific evidence. adaptive management, Canis lupus, co-implementation, grazing systems, human–wildlife coexistence, interdisciplinary research, science communication, stakeholder engagement

• Subject: Fish and Wildlife Management / Vilt- och fiskeförvaltning