In Latvia, the hunting of lynx and wolves has always been permitted. Since Latvia joined the European Union (EU), the hunting of these species has been regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Habitats Directive – hunting is strictly controlled, with hunting quotas and seasons established. Each hunter must report every animal culled by completing a specific form. This means that, in principle, these hunts are already subject to much stricter controls than the hunting of ungulates.

Taking this into account, monitoring data shows that the number of wolves and lynx in Latvia has not decreased since the country joined the EU and since hunting has been taking place; rather, it has remained stable or is increasing. This means that hunting, as a method of managing these populations, which is permissible under the relevant directive, does not threaten the lynx and wolf populations in our conditions.