Wolves have been protected by law in Portugal since 1988, however, the small wolf population remains threatened by a number of factors. Many wolves live in border areas, and animals migrating from Spain are an important factor in the continuing existence of isolated populations in Portugal, boosting numbers and preventing inbreeding. There are an estimated 1,500 Iberian wolves in Spain, concentrated in the north-west, where hunting is still permitted. Packs protected in Portugal who regularly cross the border face being wiped out by Spanish hunters. Illegal hunting is widespread within Portugal, particularly by livestock owners, using poison or shooting wolves from night-time hunting stations.
Compensation is paid to farmers in cases of confirmed wolf predation on livestock.
Better livestock husbandry may itself reduce wolf populations, as wild prey is scarce, and many packs rely on free ranging goats, sheep and sometimes horses. Roe deer are fortunately becoming more common in some areas due to conservation efforts, and wolves in these areas are increasingly turning to deer as prey. There are also plans to reintroduce native wild goats to reduce reliance on livestock. Highway development is a major cause of wolf mortality. Wolf pack territories in Portugal typically encompass 100 square kilometres, and extensive road developments comprising Portugal s Highway Plans for the Year 2000 are already impacting populations, with dead wolves turning up on roads.