Werewolf genocide

The werewolf genocide is an attempt by the Volturi to wipe out the Children of the Moon (the true werewolves).

The hunts started after Caius, one of the Volturi's leaders, was nearly killed by a werewolf. Caius became terrified of all werewolves, and convinced the rest of the Volturi to help him drive the werewolves into extinction. It is said that the Children of the Moon change into werewolves on the full moon, unlike Jacob's pack who can change into werewolves whenever they want to.

Not much is known about the genocide, but the Volturi nearly succeeded in wiping the werewolves out in Europe and Asia. While it is unknown if they are found anywhere else, it is implied that they do still exist since James was hunting one in Siberia.

In Breaking Dawn, Caius made the mistake of accusing Jacob's pack of being Children of the Moon when they changed into wolves.