France to increase wolf culling quota to 23% for 2026

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has announced that the wolf culling quota for 2026 will be increased from 21% to 23% of the total population. This decision, made during the Livestock Summit in Auvergne, follows pressure from agricultural unions facing significant livestock losses due to wolf predation.

Under current French law, wolf culling in the wild is prohibited except for herd defense or through specific “sampling shots” (tirs de prélèvement). The total wolf population is estimated at just over one thousand individuals. For comparison, the 2025 quota was set at 19%, allowing for the killing of approximately 190 wolves.

Minister Genevard noted that if the 23% threshold is reached too early in a year, culling rights will be suspended to prevent exceeding the limit. Additionally, any wolves not culled within the annual quota may be added to the following year's limit. A decree is expected to be presented by October 12, with official publication scheduled for December. This will coincide with the implementation of the agricultural emergency law, which includes providing authorized farmers with defensive equipment such as thermal or night-vision shooting glasses.