There are no more than 20 wolves in Moldova, Environment Ministry assures
- 18.01.2011 17:53
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- 2 minute(s)
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Specialists at the Ministry of Environment say there are no more than 18-20 wolves on the territory of Moldova and people should not be panicked by their presence, Info-Prim Neo reports.
Environment Deputy Minister Lazar Chirica told a news conference that the appearance of wolves in Moldova, after a break of almost 50 years, is in fact good news, since wolves are known for their balancing role in the fauna, contributing in particular to the reduction of the fox population, which has grown lately. Due to their insignificant number, the wolves do not pose any threat to the people.
Andrei Munteanu, director of the Zoology Institute, recalls that wolves were spotted 13 years ago near Ceadyr-Lunga, but in singular cases. And no attacks on people were recorded. “Wolves feed on weak wild animals. They can attack domestic animals only when food is very scarce in the wilderness”, assured Andrei Munteanu.
Tudor Botnari, vice director of the national forestry agency Moldsilva, says that we should consider ourselves fortunate to see wolves again in the Moldovan woods, which can accommodate a population of at least 50 individuals. “Whilst other countries purchase wolves to enrich their fauna, we are worrying about a couple of wolves here”, said Tudor Botnari.
Nicolae Macovei, of the Interior Ministry, however advises people to take measures to protect their domestic animals and don't allow their children to go to the woods alone.
In neighboring Romania the wolf population is estimated at 1,400 individuals, but their migration to Moldova is excluded.
