Distribution
SWITZERLAND
Since 1996 single wolf individuals have migrated naturally into Switzerland from Italy where the species was never extinct. Single individuals are found to date mainly in the Alps and Pre-AlpsHere and the Jura region of Vaud.. Since its return, there has been confirmed evidence from all cantons. The first packed was established in 2012 at the Calanda between the cantons of Grisons and St. Gall. Further packs were established in the cantons of Glarus, Grisons, Ticino, Valais and Vaud.
Wolf records are also presented in the Monitoring Center.
Current evidence of packs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein Current evidence of packs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Data source: LBC, cantons, private individuals; Map: © KORA/Swisstopo
Packs in Switzerland: Regulation (until the end of January 2025)
Genetic analyses were carried out by the Laboratoire de Biologie de la Conservation of the University of Lausanne. The statuses correspond to the definitions in the Wolf Concept.
Source data: LBC, cantons, private, FOEN; Map: © KORA/Swisstopo
Additional information: three other packs (Valgronda, Carvina, Lepontino) have obtained authorisation for proactive control (2/3 of the cubs) on condition that they can prove that they have more than one cub.
Explanations on the current situation of the pack (18.03.2025)
During the 2024/25 monitoring year (from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025), the presence of 39 packs was confirmed in Switzerland, two more than in the previous monitoring year. Of these, 26 are found entirely in Switzerland, while 13 also occupy territories in neighbouring countries. Three packs disbanded during the year, following the elimination of the breeding pair.
A total of 139 cubs were observed. During the last year of monitoring, 320 wolves were identified, either by direct observation as cubs or by genetic analysis. 110 dead wolves were recorded. Most of them were killed as part of a culling programme, but road accidents and conflicts between wolves were also recorded.
For some packs, it is not yet certain whether they will be confirmed during the next year of monitoring. This will only become clear during the summer and autumn. It is also possible that new pairs of wolves will settle and give birth to cubs as early as next summer. The monitoring of wolves in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is an ongoing process, in which the situation of the packs is regularly reassessed in the light of new information – adjustments can also be made retrospectively. The next assessment of the situation of the packs will be published at the beginning of November 2025.
Pack regulation card archive
Packs in Switzerland: Regulation (until the end of January 2024)
Genetic analyses were carried out by the Laboratoire de Biologie de la Conservation of the University of Lausanne. The statuses correspond to the definitions in the Wolf Concept.
Source data: LBC, cantons, private, FOEN; Map: © KORA/Swisstopo
Wolf records in Switzerland 2011–2023 according to SCALP criteria
Wolf records in Switzerland in the monitoring year 2022/2023 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland in the monitoring year 2022/2023 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland in the monitoring year 2021/2022 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland in the monitoring year 2021/2022 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/Swisstopo
Wolf records in Switzerland 2020 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2020 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2019 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2019 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2018 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2018 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2017 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2017 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2016 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2016 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2015 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2015 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2014 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2014 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2013 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2013 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2012 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2012 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Wolf records in Switzerland 2011 presented according to SCALP categories Wolf records in Switzerland 2011 presented according to SCALP categories
Additional explanations: SCALP categories (Red = category 1, «hard facts»; blue = category 2, confirmed reports; green = category 3, non-verifiable reports) incl. positive genetic samples. Genetic samples are presented according to their sampling date.
Data and analysis: LBC, cantons, KORA; map: © KORA/GIS
Archive: Genetically identified wolves in Switzerland 2009–2021
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 04.01.2022). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow = transient animals, blue = resident animals, dark blue ellipse = pack, light blue ellipse = transboundary pack. Animals in the boxes are the descendants of the different age groups from the packs. Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. The status is defined according to the wolf concept, appendix 4.
Data © LBC, cantons, private persons; Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 15.01.2021). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow = transient animals, blue = resident animals, green = pack. Animals in the boxes are the descendants of the different age groups from the packs. Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. The status is defined according to the wolf concept, appendix 4. Data
© LBC, cantons, private persons; Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 16.01.2020). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow = transient animals, blue = resident animals, green = pack. Animals in the boxes are the descendants of the different age groups from the packs. Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. The status is defined according to the wolf concept, appendix 4. Data
© LBC, cantons, private persons; Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 19.12.2018). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow = transient animals, blue = resident animals, green = pack. Animals in the boxes are the descendants of the different age groups from the packs. Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. The status is defined according to the wolf concept, appendix 4. Data
© LBC, cantons, private persons; Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2017). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow = transient animals, blue = resident animals, green = pack. Animals in the boxes are the descendants of the different age groups from the packs. Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2016). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2015). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Not illustrated are dead individuals and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2014). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow square = Genetic record without individual identification (not possible or not yet accomplished). Not illustrated are dead individuals from earlier years and animals, which are known to have left Switzerland. The three pups of the Calanda pack are grouped into one larger circle. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2013). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number (M= Male, F= female). Yellow square = unknown individual, crosses = Dead individuals. The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2012). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number. M= Male (circle), F= female (triangle). The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2011). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number. M= Male (circle), F= female (triangle). The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2010). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number. M= Male (circle), F= female (triangle). The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
Wolf evidence in Switzerland from the last 24 months (Status 31.12.2009). Genetically individually identified wolves are indicated with a symbol and a sequential number. M= Male (circle), F= female (triangle). The genetic analyses are conducted at the Laboratory for Biology and Conservation (LCB) from the University of Lausanne. Data
© LBC, Map © KORA/GIS
ALPS
The Wolf Alpine Group is an informal group of experts of wild animal research and management. It meets every two years in one of the Alpine countries for an exchange of experiences and to discuss and coordinate the monitoring of wolves. The wolf has recolonised the Alps from the Italian Apennine mountains. Consequently, the recolonisation has progressed furthest in the south-western Alps. Sometimes, wolves from other populations are reaching the Alps, too. For example, the Lessini pack east of Lake Garda was established by a female from the south-western Alps and a male from the Dinaric mountains. The eastern and central Alps are even more sparsely populated than the western Alps.
Wolf occurance and reproductive units in the alps 2023–2024 (©Wolf Alpine Group) Wolf occurance and reproductive units in the alps 2023–2024 (©Wolf Alpine Group)
EUROPE
Monitoring and management are traditionally organised by individual countries. However, all viable wolf populations expand over international boundaries. The network Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe, an IUCN/SSC specialist group, periodically collects the most recent data on the status, management and distribution of the carnivores in Europe. The most recent report dates from 2022.
Recent survey:
Earlier surveys:
- European assessment of the Wolf for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2018)
- Status, management and distribution of large carnivores – bear, lynx, wolf & wolverine – in Europe. Part I (2013)
- Status, management and distribution of large carnivores – bear, lynx, wolf & wolverine – in Europe. Part II (2013)
- Guidelines for Population Level Management Plans for Large Carnivores (2008)
© LCIE © LCIE
Wolf distribution in Europe (archive)
Distribution of the wolf in Europe based on a 10×10 km grid and data from 2012–2016. Dark green = permanent presence (presence confirmed in at least 3 of the 5 years, or reproduction confirmed within the last 3 years), light green = sporadic presence (presence confirmed in less than 3 of the 5 years), grey = presence without detailed information. No data was available from country areas coloured white.
© LCIE
GLOBAL
The Grey Wolf was the cosmopolitan in the animal world: this species once had the largest distribution of any mammal. Originally, it was widespread over the entire northern hemisphere, from North America to Europa and Asia. During the last century however, it was exterminated from large parts of its original range. Since awareness of the importance of maintaining an intact ecosystem is increasing, the grey wolf has a chance to recover its population status and recolonize its original territory, including Switzerland. The species is highly adaptable. It does not only occur in forests, but also in the Arctic tundra, steppes, deserts and even in regions with urban sprawl.
Global wolf distribution
The wolf distribution covers the northern hemisphere.
TAXONOMY
The grey wolf Canis lupus belongs, like the red fox Vulpes vulpes, to the family Canidae. Within the Canidae, the grey wolf belongs to the genus Canis as for example the red wolf Canis rufus, the coyote Canis latrans and the golden jackal Canis aureus. The domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris is directly descended from the wolf. The wolves currently living in Switzerland originate from the Italian wolf population that also belongs to the subspecies Canis lupus lupus but is genetically clearly distinct from other European wolf populations. In the future, wolves may increasingly immigrate to Switzerland from other populations, i.e. the Dinarc, Carpathian and the Central European lowland populations.