Property Rights in Endangered Species: The Wolverine Case

The Scandinavian wolverine is a predator that kills many reindeer belonging to the Sami, the indigenous population of northern Scandinavia. The wolverine is also an endangered species. Hunting is, therefore, illegal. The intended conservation is ineffective, however, due to poaching. In this paper we suggest a property rights regime for the protection of the endangered wolverine. We also want to contribute to a solution to a long-standing conflict between the urban South and the North of Sweden. General conditions essential for an efficient protection of endangered species by property rights are outlined. In the suggested regime Sami villages with reindeer herders as members become the owners of the wolverines. Reindeer breeding and wolverine protection thereby become joint operations. Remuneration for wolverine protection will be received from the Swedish State that pays for wolverines living in the grazing area. The system can presumably be financed by a redistribution of current subsidies to the Sami.