The return of wolves in Aggtelek Karst and Zemplén Mountains

Szabó Ádám

The vast majority of the population of Hungary is not aware of the fact that there are wolves living in Hungary. Those who have heard about it mostly just know that sometimes they wander from Slovakia. Aggtelek National Park came to be known for its caves but few know that wolves live and reproduce here in Aggtelek Karst and the Zemplén Mountains under natural circumstances thanks to the stable population near the Slovakian-Hungarian border. Sporadic observations have been reported in other regions of the North Hungarian Mountains, however, only these two areas have a continuous and regular connection with the Slovakian population. The appearance of wolves in the Karst and in Zemplén (ecological vacuum) could be explained by the population surge and the increase in population density in Slovakia. This period occurred between the year of 1980 and 1989 when the number of wolves hunted down increased more than fourfold in Slovakia (Hell, 2003). Consequently, the appearance and settling of wolves are not accidental but the result of ecological laws (Faragó, 1989). Having recognized the significance of the species, it was put under protection by the ministry responsible for environmental protection in order to aid its Hungarian repopulation. In 1993 it received the „protected” status and in 2001 it received the „specifically protected” status. However, the situation of the species was not resolved with this. Wolves are perceived as hated, feared and problematic predators and the source of many conflicts due to prejudice, misconception and centuries of superstition. Therefore, it is hard to prove and justify its ecological importance to livestock farmers and hunters. Often, they do not understand the explanations and observations of researchers. Persuading them requires patience and empathy. I find it important to pay close attention to the peculiarities and the changes of lifestyle of the inland wolf population. By making use of international experiences and experiences gained from field studies, we should engage in extensive educational activities so that more and more compatriots would understand and admire the majestic forests of Aggtelek Karst and Zemplén.