Municipalities
Geographical size
Human population
Number of livestock farmers
Livestock farming systems
Large carnivore species
Wolf population
SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT
Mont Lozère is a granite massif, rising to 1,699 metres at Finiels Peak. It is one of five massifs within the Cévennes National Park in southern France’s Massif Central (Lozère). Established in 1970, the park uniquely combines nature conservation with inhabited areas, being the only park located in the mid-mountain terrain that includes forestry operations. The region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral cultural landscape”, recognised for its millennia-old pastoral systems, transhumance routes, traditional villages and farms, and the sustainable management of natural resources that have shaped the landscapes throughout time.
The region is one of France's most rural and sparsely populated regions (7–8 inhabitants/km²), has remained largely unindustrialised, with traditional agriculture closely connected to nature. Green tourism and nature-related activities, such as hiking, wildlife observation, and heritage trails, including the GR 70 (Stevenson Trail), are important components of the local economy and draw urban visitors who value this pastoral landscape. However, the population is ageing as young people leave for cities.
In Mont Lozère, the memory of the Beast of Gévaudan remains vivid. This creature, responsible for fatal attacks on multiple humans in the 18th century, nurtured a deep and lasting fear of wolves that continues to shape the pastoral imagination and collective memory.
FARMING CONTEXT
Agriculture and livestock farming—especially pastoral and extensive systems—remain central to the local economy. Farms are typically small and family-run, facing challenges around establishment, succession, and marketing. Beekeeping, forestry, and chestnut production complement livestock farming. Farms focus on single or mixed breeds. In summer, some herders move their livestock to high-altitude pastures, following seasonal vegetation and climate cycles. Flocks typically comprise around 1,000 sheep, guarded by owners or hired shepherds, or around 50 cattle. Local breeds reflect a longstanding agro-pastoral heritage: sheep raised for lamb include the Blanche du Massif Central and Caussenarde des Garrigues, whilst the Aubrac is the local beef breed.
Main Challenges:
- National Park status constrains some pastoral activities but provides support, such as access to land and shepherding infrastructure.
- Coexistence between pastoralism and recreational activities can be challenging.
- Limited valley fodder encourages transhumance, but new herders often struggle to find available summer pastures.
- Grouping herds from different farms increases disease transmission risks and can cause conflicts over collective decision-making.
- Severe epidemics, such as bluetongue disease in 2024, have affected the area.
- The agricultural population is ageing, and rural-urban divides persist.
- Heavy dependence of farms on the CAP.
- The return of wolves after decades of absence has disrupted pastoral practices on both summer pastures and farms.
LOCAL CONFLICT ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE CARNIVORES
Number of attacks:
On Mont Lozère, 19 predation events were recorded in 2024. In the same year, across the wider Lozère Department, there were 217 domestic animals killed and 124 injured during 104 attacks in which wolf predation could not be ruled out.
When livestock carcasses are found, state agents verify if a bear caused the death. Farmers who have implemented at least two herd protection measures (e.g., guarding dogs, shepherds or fencing) are entitled to compensation as set by prefectural decree.
Attacks primarily affect sheep and cattle, and more rarely goats and horses.
Attacks occur both on summer pastures and on farms in the valleys.
Predation remains highly random and unpredictable at the herd level, making it extremely difficult for farmers to anticipate attacks and adapt their practices accordingly.
Social conflict:
Social conflict emerged as soon as, or even before, the first wolves arrived in the area in 2012 and intensified following the first breeding of a pair in 2021. This conflict has been marked by strong local opposition, including numerous demonstrations and press articles. Resistance has been expressed mainly by the pastoral community, but also by hunters.
- Farmers criticise a lack of information about the number and locations of wolves.
- The return of wolves to the area has damaged the relationship of trust between farmers and the Cévennes National Park.
- Beyond concerns about livestock predation, part of the local population worries about the risk of attacks on humans.
- Adaptation of pastoralism to the presence of wolves entails increased workload and a considerable anxiety for farmers.
- As elsewhere in France, though unusual for the heart of a national park, derogations allow the lethal removal of problematic wolves or packs, authorised by a prefectural decree.
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