The entire study area lies within the designated lynx protection zone, and partly within the wolf zone in the south. Almost all livestock losses can be attributed to these two large carnivore species.
Municipalities
Geographical size
Human population
Number of livestock farmers
Livestock farming systems
Large carnivore species
Wolf population
Lynx population
SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT
Akershus is characterised by some of Norway’s most fertile agricultural soils, providing high nutrient availability and favourable conditions for cereal cropping. Nearly 80% of the cultivated land is allocated to grain production, primarily wheat, barley, and oats. Nevertheless, agriculture represents a relatively minor economic sector within this urbanised region, which is strongly shaped by its proximity to Oslo and several smaller cities. Combined with structural changes within the agricultural sector, this urban influence has contributed to a 33% reduction in the number of active farms, reflecting ongoing consolidation and intensification trends.
There are diverse employment opportunities beyond farming, contributing to a high prevalence of part-time farming and multi-purpose use of farms. Farm households often diversify income through agri-tourism, forestry operations, and resource-based activities, such as hunting and outdoor recreation services.
Unlike most Norwegian outfield areas, organised rangeland grazing organisations are absent (except in the north). Combined with large carnivore presence, this constrains the economic feasibility of reintroducing extensive livestock grazing. These limitations reduce the potential to utilise low-cost forage resources and maintain traditional grazing landscapes, which have historically supported both cultural heritage and biodiversity.
FARMING CONTEXT
The free-ranging of sheep and cattle on forest pastures represents a traditional, extensive grazing system that is in decline in this region. This grazing system requires low input and involves the livestock utilising native forage resources such as forest grasses, herbs and shrubs during the summer.
In Norway, crossbreds are most common in dairy cattle and sheep production — Norwegian Red Cattle and Norwegian White Sheep, respectively. There are also several national and international sheep breeds. Beef production is dominated by continental breeds, particularly Charolais and Hereford.
Main Challenges:
- Following the re-establishment of the wolf population from the late 1990s onwards, predation pressure increased substantially, particularly on small ruminants. As a result, sheep mortality rates escalated, leading to significant economic losses and reduced viability of traditional grazing systems.
- Consequently, many farmers have either abandoned sheep production or implemented carnivore-proof electric fencing to protect their herds. Others rely more heavily on fenced infield pastures. These changes have altered grazing intensity and spatial distribution, which has implications for forage utilisation, nutrient cycling, and parasite pressure.
LOCAL CONFLICT ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE CARNIVORES
Number of attacks:
Livestock predation in the area is relatively low and occurs almost exclusively on sheep, with only one recorded case involving cattle. From 2006 to 2024, compensation was paid for 4,315 sheep, with 49% of losses attributed to lynx and 48% to wolves. Over the same period, predation averaged 227 sheep per year, similar to the recent annual average of 255 sheep. However, two municipalities account for most losses: Eidsvoll (74%) and Hurdal (12%). The other municipalities have experienced only a handful of losses annually.
Interestingly, losses from bears are only recorded in one municipality (Eidsvoll), despite it being over 30 km from the bear zone. Meanwhile, no losses are recorded in the municipalities closer to the bear zone. Additionally, there have been no recorded losses related to wolverines, despite two municipalities bordering the wolverine zone.
Social conflict:
- The study area presents an interesting case, as very few farmers are organised in grazing organisations (only some farmers in the northern part, Eidsvoll).
- Many farmers only keep their livestock on infield pastures, with some using electric fences to prevent carnivore attacks.
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