The hunters' organizations have long pushed for a sharp reduction in the wolf population in accordance with the Riksdag decision in 2013 of 170-270 individuals, which the government will now investigate.
- It is very positive and welcome.
says Mikael Samuelsson, head of predators at the Swedish Hunters' Association.
But is it possible to shoot 100-200 wolves?
- We will do our very best to reduce the wolf population, he says.
Henrik Tågmark, vice chairman and head of predators in the Swedish Hunters' Association, is in the same line.
- That the wolf population should be lowered to the floor of 170 wolves is of course a big fall forward.
The wolf population must be lowered and that quickly.
WWF: Not scientifically
Benny Gäfwert, a predator expert at the WWF, is critical of the level of 170 individuals who he believes are far below what is required for the wolf population to be viable.
- It is a very powerful launch that needs to take place if you are to reach level 170. We do not see it as practically feasible and it will be met with reactions naturally.
We see it as fishing votes before the election that you meet the lobby that works towards that level.
It is not founded in any science at all.
MP: Has a responsibility
The Green Party also condemns the message from the former government partner.
- The wolf is today strongly threatened according to the red list, protected and very inbred.
We want people to listen to research that says we need more wolves for a long-term survival of the wolf.
But the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency says that 300 is enough. Why should you have more than necessary?
- More than necessary depends on who you ask.
It can not be seen as a solution to phase out a species from the Swedish ecosystems.
We have a moral responsibility to ensure that the existing species are allowed to exist tomorrow, says Rebecka le Moine (MP), spokesperson for biological diversity.