Wildlife hybrids: Insights into the European approach

• Anthropogenic hybridization is questionable as a conservation concern. • Hybridization as an evolutionary force deserves consideration in management guidance. • Wolf x dog hybridization is suitable to explore the EU approach and case studies. • Integration of scientific, legal, ethical and social information is advocate. • The value of individual specimens deserves thoughtful consideration. Anthropogenic hybridization is a main driver of wildlife population dynamics and evolution. However, the phenomenon is poorly addressed in international legislation and is managed in different ways at country level. There is still a lack of clear and consistent regulations on hybrids. The present article explores the legal framework for wildlife hybrids in Europe and the uncertainties surrounding their legal status, focusing on wolf-dog hybrids and Italy as case studies. Remarks are proposed regarding the evolution of the approach to the management of hybrids, considering different scenarios, including the (questionable) entrusting of a wolf-dog hybrid animal to a private individual.