Moose Population in Sweden Sees Significant Increase After Years of Decline

The moose population in Sweden has increased by 10%, indicating a recovery after years of decline due to changing hunting practices.

Key Points

  • • Moose population in Sweden increased by 10%, reaching about 300,000.
  • • Reduction in moose hunting, especially of females, has contributed to the recovery.
  • • SLU suggests moose may be classified as 'near threatened' on the red list.
  • • Shifts in hunter attitudes reflect growing conservation awareness.

In an encouraging development for wildlife conservation, the moose population in Sweden has increased by 10% over the past year, marking a notable reversal from a previous downward trend. According to new estimates from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the population has risen to approximately 300,000 moose before the most recent hunting season, which is significant given the challenges faced in prior years.

This upturn is credited to changes in hunting practices, where hunters have increasingly opted to reduce the number of moose they shoot, particularly focusing less on female moose, or cows. This strategic shift in hunting behavior reflects a growing awareness and concern for moose sustainability. Hunters' reluctance to fulfill culling quotas represents a broader commitment to enhancing moose conservation efforts.

SLU's evaluations play a crucial role in wildlife management, which may lead to proposals for classifying moose as 'near threatened' on the red list, indicating their conservation status is being reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to protect and manage Sweden's moose population. This positive trend highlights the impact of responsible hunting practices and the significance of wildlife management in reversing species decline.