Awwal 05, 1432 H/Feb 08, 2011, SPA -- Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren on Tuesday defended the government's decision to allow licensed wolf hunting as part of a plan to improve the wolf population's genetic status. Carlgren rejected criticism from, among others, Asa Romson of the opposition Greens, who maintained the licensed wolf hunting was "indiscriminate" and had targeted "healthy" wolf pairs, according to dpa. Sweden's second month-long licensed hunt is drawing to a close. Since January 15 when this year's hunt began, hunters have shot 19 wolves from a total quota of 20. The minister said the decision to allow limited, controlled hunting was necessary to secure broad support for a viable wolf population among various stake holders, including hunters and people in rural areas. Jens Holm of the opposition Left Party challenged that argument, saying that illegal hunting continued. Earlier Tuesday, police said they were investigating a suspected case of illegal shooting after a dead wolf was found near Bollnas, 260 kilometres north of Stockholm. The debate was held amid warnings by experts of the need to increase the wolf population in northern Europe. There are currently believed to be around 200 wolves in Sweden, whilst the entire population in northern Europe only numbers around 1,000 - about a third of the necessary number to remain viable, experts say.
