In some groups, and sometimes in many groups, it is a daily topic. The return of the wolf to Western Europe and increasingly also in the Netherlands and Belgium. On one side, the Red Riding Hood syndrome is spreading rapidly again, like it has never left. On the other hand, there are nature lovers who are excited about the return of this important specie. The protected status after the creation of the European Habitat Directives in the late 1970s and the active restoration of the so-called ecological main structure, which links nature areas back together and / or keeps them linked, is presented as the reason for the return of various wild animal species including the wolf. Without a doubt, it was desperately needed to protect nature and specific core species, but the reality is unfortunately, that nature reserves including primeval forests are declining rapidly. We saw it happening in Romania with our own eyes and the shepherds we know even more so. There are many threats to their way of life and this is perhaps the worst.

Just like the presence of bears, wolves and lynxes, the massive deforestation in Eastern Europe was a ‘far-from-our-bed show’ for many Westerners. However, in recent decades wolves, lynxes and sometimes even a bear have come closer, in Germany for example. We have had massive destruction of nature in the Netherlands for a long time now. For large quantities of good wood one now has to be in Eastern Europe, where not so long ago in for example Transylvania, the old, vast forests seemed endless. Nothing could be further from the truth. The massive deforestation for commercial purposes by companies such as IKEA and Schweighofer-Holz group is painfully visible and tangible and the consequences are broad. Transylvania, Romania has long been the heart of Europe's large predator populations and incredibly rich in countless other flora and fauna species. Despite habitat directives and other European directives, all this is being destroyed for quick profit, which is easily earned through the many consumers. We are all directly or indirectly responsible for the massive destruction of habitats of countless animal species. Suddenly it turns out that IKEA cupboard and those fine fireplace blocks are not as cheap as people initially thought. 

In the photo below, you see habitat as it is preferred by many animals, including the wolf. If you look closely, you can also see the beginning of a dark transformation in this photo.

After the criminal wood mafia of Schweighofer-Holz and IKEA has finished ‘harvesting’ it looks like the picture below. And this is just a single picture of what is reality in many places in Eastern Europe.

You don't have to be a scientist to understand that countless animal species have become homeless. Wild animals don't drop dead on the spot when their habitat is destroyed. They will naturally look for new habitats and food, because survival is the only instinct that matters. Unfortunately, no natural areas will be added like we humans build houses. So, we have innumerable animal species that compete with innumerable other animal species for a place in less suitable habitat. It can turn into fighting for a new place or moving on, but sooner or later an animal will either succeed in claiming a new place at the expense of another or settle in areas which classically aren’t preferred. In order to survive, however, animals must adapt and reduce preference criteria for a habitat when there is simply nothing left in the preferred category. For that reason, wolves are now also settling in areas with more human activity. Adapt to survive, settle for less. It’s forced, but there is no other option.

The fairy-tales and wild stories are always far ahead of the wolf. Something that was also created by people and is taken over by many, indiscriminately. However, the reality is very different, and many people recognize that too, however often without saying it out loud. People: be critical and keen on what's really going on. What's hiding behind that IKEA cupboard and what's hiding behind that wolf hater who's never seen a wolf up close, except on a computer screen? If we are honest, a wolf that kills some livestock here and there is in stark contrast to what we are all responsible for in relation to countless species, directly or indirectly. Of course, this does not alter the fact that it does have a large individual and emotional impact if your livestock is killed by a wolf. However, we can prevent the latter in a responsible way. The basic condition should be self-awareness. We humans should put our hands in our own bosom much more often. The fingers pointed to ourselves, instead of to other species. We (Canine Efficiency) know how and what it takes to successfully coexist with predators and with respect for nature, both with and without livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). Fortunately, we are not alone in this. In Romania, for example, there is Agent Green and they play a leading role in addressing and combating many wrongdoings in nature. An exemplary organization for many. If you have any questions and / or interest, please feel free to contact us.