Episode 80 – Dr. Daniel Ligné: 200 Years of Swedish Wildlife Management

In this episode, Erik sits down with Daniel Ligné from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management to explore the history and foundations of wildlife management in Sweden.

We begin by looking back at how hunting rights and wildlife conservation evolved over the past two centuries, including the societal changes that followed the French Revolution, which reshaped land ownership and hunting rights across Europe.

Daniel explains how Sweden rebuilt wildlife populations that were once nearly gone — including the Eurasian beaver, wild boar, and the now world-famous moose population. Today Sweden holds one of the densest moose populations in the world, largely thanks to a system built on hunter participation, research, and long-term stewardship.

The conversation also explores the structure behind Swedish hunting — from wildlife monitoring and research to the organization of moose hunting teams, land ownership traditions, and how hunters collect data that supports wildlife management.

We also discuss public acceptance of hunting, the cultural importance of moose hunting in Swedish society, and how hunters balance ethics, conservation, and responsibility in the modern landscape.

Highlights include:

🦌 The origins of Swedish wildlife management

📊 Hunters and wildlife data collection

🌲 The recovery of species like beaver and wild boar

🫎 The structure and culture of moose hunting in Sweden

🤝 Public trust and the hunter’s role in conservation

A thoughtful conversation about history, stewardship, and the system that helped build one of the world’s most recognized wildlife management models.

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