Lisbon, June 25, 2026 (Lusa) - The government will increase compensation for farmers affected by attacks by the Iberian wolf, the minister of cabinet affairs announced on Thursday, explaining that the aim is to redress the balance for farmers while protecting the species.

The cabinet approved the measure today, amending the Iberian wolf protection scheme and increasing compensation for affected livestock farmers.

At a press conference following the cabinet meeting, António Leitão Amaro explained that the aim is for livestock farmers to be “in a more balanced and harmonious position with regard to the protection of this species”, but he did not specify the details of the approved increase.

In February, livestock farmers affected by attacks from the Iberian wolf set up a national movement that extended to Galicia to adjust the protection of the species in the face of what they described at the time as “persistent behaviour” towards their herds.

Currently, livestock farmers are already entitled to compensation for losses caused by Iberian wolf attacks, with up to 50% paid for the first 15 attacks attributed to the wolf in each calendar year.

The ‘Alcateia 2025–2035’ Programme, launched by the government, has a 2026 budget of €3.3 million to protect the wolf and compensate farmers. It has identified four population centres in the country: Peneda/Gerês, Alvão/Padrela, Bragança and the southern Douro, totalling 58 packs (56 confirmed, 2 probable) and around 300 animals.

Meanwhile, the minister for the environment announced in June that the government was preparing a new decree-law that would further strengthen the protection of the Iberian wolf, without specifying any measures – a commitment that prompted feedback from livestock farmers.

MCA/ADB // ADB.

Lusa