Task Descriptions
WP1 Project Management & Networking
WP2 Baseline Setting & Analyses
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This task aims to create a framework for organising data related to past cases of bold or habituated wolves. Collecting reliable information on bold and habituated individuals is essential to figure out the entity of the phenomenon, better understand the major causes that lead to this kind of behaviour, and guide prevention.
In cases where reliable and detailed data were not recorded, we will gather information from various sources and compiled into an overview table for each case.
Our goal is to collect as much detailed information as possible by conducting interviews with people directly involved in the case. We will only use reliable data, i.e., information supported by hard facts that clearly identify the presence of wolves, for analysis purposes, and a preliminary descriptive analysis will be conducted on the data.
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In this task we have created a comprehensive data framework for gathering information on current cases of habituated or bold wolves.
This includes getting in touch with people involved and collecting first-hand information. We plan to establish a database that records cases in a detailed manner with the collaboration of relevant authorities. This will allow us to analyze patterns and identify the underlying causes behind different wolf behaviors.
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Wolf-dog hybridization is considered a significant threat to wolf conservation, but it is a complex topic to study. As a result, our knowledge about its causes and ecological consequences is still limited. When genes from domesticated dogs mix with those of wolves, it could have negative implications for the ecological role that wolves play as hunters. Previous genetic studies from the southern Croatian region of Dalmatia showed a high level of wolf-dog hybridization, with around 35% of wolf samples found to be wolf-dog hybrids. However, recent analyses conducted between 2016 and 2017 in Central Dalmatia found that about 70% of the sampled animals had dog ancestry. The Dalmatia region is thus an excellent location for deeper analysis to identify under which environmental conditions wolf-dog hybridization takes place and how we can reduce it, thus safeguarding wolves and their ecosystem.
We have some hypotheses regarding the reasons why wolf-dog hybrids are found in some areas and not in others, but we need to investigate them further, and we will do it in the frame of the LIFE WILD WOLF project. We aim to provide information that will help in proactive management, reducing the chances of hybridization happening in the first place. The distribution of hybrids in Dalmatia implies that some behavioral or environmental mechanisms limit hybrid range expansion. This region offers us a unique opportunity to identify the behavioral differences between wolves and wolf-dog hybrids living in similar environmental conditions and test the hypothesis that hybrids are more confident due to their genetic heritage from dogs.
To understand the distribution of wolves and hybrids and track their offspring, we will use non-invasive sampling (that means that to study hybridization we do not need to observe or capture the animals directly). We will primarily collect scat samples, which we will also use for diet metabarcoding (a genetic technique that allows to identify the DNA from several species from one sample) to investigate what wolf and hybrid individuals eat. This method will allow us to quantify and compare the diets of the two groups, giving us further insight into their ecological role in their local ecosystem. We will compare the dietary findings with results from samples collected after the removal of attractants to evaluate the effects of our interventions. We will produce a map of hotspots of hybridization and compare it with the locations of reported cases of habituated wolves in or near urban and peri-urban areas. This analysis will help us evaluate the relationship between boldness and hybridization.
We will use non-invasive sampling to understand the distribution of wolves and hybrids, and catalog their individual genetic profiles, so that we can track their offspring. The non-invasive sampling will mainly be done through the collection of scat (fecal) samples, which we will also use for diet metabarcoding to investigate what wolf and hybrid individuals eat. This method will allow us to quantify and compare the diets of the two groups, giving us further insight into their ecological role in their local ecosystem. The dietary findings will be compared with results from samples collected after the removal of attractants (see T.2.6), to evaluate the effects of our interventions (see WP6). We will produce a map of hotspots of hybridization, and we will compare this map with the locations of reported cases of habituated wolves in or near urban and peri-urban areas, which will help us evaluate the relationship between boldness and hybridization.
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When wolves have access to natural resources that are far away from human settlements, they may still venture into urban areas due to the presence of food sources that attract them and cause them to become habituated or accustomed to human presence. Our analysis will examine the environmental and contextual factors that influence different wolf behaviors.
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Preventing habituation is crucial to avoid wolves getting habituated. The task focuses on removing attractants and limiting access to them. We will base our actions on field analysis of past and recent wolf incidents near settlements, attacks, and behaviors, as well as identifying their causes. Measures will vary from area to area depending on the biggest attractant in a given area, such as grazing animals, food scraps, dogs, and other pets.
We will work closely with local communities, hunters, farmers, hiking and tourist associations, and other stakeholders who manage or are interested in the local environment. An agreement or protocol will be established with them to ensure that the attractants are removed consistently during the project and afterwards. In certain areas, protective equipment, such as electric nets with associated accessories, will be allocated to farmers. The project will also experiment with certain alternative and new ways of protecting grazing livestock. Expert assistance and advice will be provided to farmers to ensure that these measures are implemented correctly. Performance will be checked with the farmers themselves and with photo-traps.The measures aim to reduce the share of anthropogenic food sources in the wolves' diet, which attract them to the vicinity of settlements and cause unnatural behavior, fear, and discomfort for people living in areas where wolves roam. The project also aims to reduce conflicts between farmers and wolves that attack their livestock by making it less accessible, based on the assumption that in most project areas, wolves (and hybrids) have enough natural resources available away from human settlements.
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While most areas in Europe where wolves are present have a sufficient amount of wild prey, this is not the case in NW Portugal. The limited habitat suitability and intensive poaching have caused wild ungulates to become scarce, leading to a high level of wolf predation on livestock. To address this problem, a task has been undertaken to increase the availability of wild ungulates in Portugal, with the aim of promoting a shift towards wild prey.
We will conduct specific interventions to improve the habitat suitability for wild ungulates. We will also work to mitigate human-related causes of mortality. Our habitat restoration efforts will focus on pilot areas of 50 hectares, where we will put in place best practices. Then, by engaging other relevant bodies with responsibilities in forest management, we hope to support interventions on up to 400 hectares, ensuring long-term sustainability. We will monitor target areas for restoration before and after interventions to evaluate changes in the abundance of wild ungulates and pollinators. We expect an increase in wild prey abundance (mainly roe deer) of at least 20%.
We plan to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the population of wild prey in the project area. To achieve this, we will optimize the methodology procedures for regular population monitoring.
We aim to promote the recovery of the autochthonous forests by using plantation, natural regeneration, or removing invasive vegetation. Moreover, we will promote the best practices for managing wild ungulates in agro-forested landscapes by involving relevant stakeholders. Our goal is to minimize human-related mortality for wild ungulates by strengthening anti-poaching activities, controlling free-ranging dogs, and mitigating the risk of traffic collisions.
Finally, we will develop a set of technical documents that will include methodological protocols for regular monitoring, guidelines for sustainable management of wild prey populations, and best practices for habitat restoration targeting wild ungulates.
WP3 Protocols & Emergency Teams
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We plan to conduct a preliminary systematic review of past management interventions used in the presence of "bold" wolves, as well as similar interventions used for other canids or carnivores. Based on the gathered information and analyzed data, we will create an experimental guidance protocol for intervention. The protocol will be customized to the local situation in project sites and tested in Task 3.3. Before testing, we will share the protocol with local stakeholders and authorities (such as prefectures, local police, and municipalities). We will also use the results and experiences gained during the project to improve and refine the guidance protocol.
The systematic review will be released and will be available to managers and stakeholders all over Europe even after the project has ended.
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This task aims to create emergency teams that can respond quickly in case of critical situations involving "confident" wolves or in cases where wolves are repeatedly sighted in urban areas. Each project partner will contribute to the development of an operational protocol that will be implemented in case of problematic situations, according to shared technical and scientific standards. Additionally, each partner will be responsible for creating additional intervention teams in their own country or updating existing teams as necessary.
We aim at establishing 5 new teams (in PT, EL, CZ, DE, IT) of trained persons who are ready to intervene rapidly where and when critical situations arise.These teams will consist of trained and independent personnel who will receive reports, communicate with citizens, and intervene in the search for attractive sources. The teams will also use camera trapping to monitor the eventual critical situation, provide support for capture activities, and implement deterrent measures.
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In this task we will record all the activities carried out by the emergency teams set up in the frame of Task 3.2.
Alongside the documentation of operations and their outcomes, we will conduct regular monitoring to enhance the efficacy of interventions. We will share among partners information and best practices to establish a finalized operational protocol based on the experiences gained throughout the operational territory.
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We plan to capture wolves that are known to roam in or near urban and peri-urban areas with recurrent recorded presence and to equip them with GPS collars, in order to tack their behavior. We will also gather telemetry data from previously marked animals in the project area/countries to identify predictors of behavior. To increase our sample size and knowledge sharing, we will collaborate and network with other past or ongoing projects, even those outside our project sites.
In pilot sites where genetic surveys will be made, we will also use this information to try to
connect any confident individuals with their pack of origin and look for eventual signs of “vertical” transmission of bold behaviour from parents to offspring (through social learning or genetics).
WP4 Wolf Attacks on Dogs
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This task aims to identify possible reasons and confirmed cases of wolf attacks on domesticated dogs. The focus will be on problematic situations such as hunting dogs, livestock guarding dogs, and pet dogs in urban areas.
To predict depredation events on dogs, we will conduct an extensive literature review on wolf attacks on dogs and dog consumption by wolves to identify patterns and drivers.
Additionally, we will collect systematically confirmed events reporting wolf attacks on dogs in the project countries. This will help us identify spatial-temporal patterns of attacks and sociological traits of owners.
This information will be used to develop guidelines and protocols for intervention and communication to reduce predation on domestic dogs and mitigate conflicts with wolves.
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Once hotspots of wolf attacks are identified and analysis of the tools and measures adopted elsewhere for protecting dogs from predatory attacks, we will create a set of guidelines to minimize harm to hunting and guarding dogs, including testing out some new devices. Specifically, in Dalmatia (HR), we'll use genetic sampling to understand the pack structure, locations, and hybridization status without invasive methods.
To meet our objective, we will concentrate on implementing experimental measures that offer the most benefits in terms of device usage and dog management. We'll dig into previous experiences to find documentation of measures used to protect dogs from predatory attacks. We'll create new experimental measures or modify existing ones to fit specific conditions.
Our aim is to avoid creating equipment that, although proving effective, requires substantial investments or significant restrictions that may limit the dogs' mobility. Our approach is all about finding practical solutions with a keen eye on effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring the well-being of these dogs while minimizing potential drawbacks.
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The aim of this task is to lower the possibilities of hybridisation between wolves and free-ranging dogs. To achieve this goal, we will work closely with local authorities, animal shelters, veterinarians, inspectors, game managers, and dog owners. By collaborating with these relevant sectors, we aim to improve dog management practices in these countries for the long term. In addition, we will raise awareness in different segments of society.
According to national and local legislation, we will support the enforcement and facilitate the establishment or improvement of procedures for caring for free-ranging dogs. Any free-ranging dog without an owner will be taken to a shelter and sterilized. Potential wolf hybrids will be kept in shelters until their hybridization status is confirmed or denied through genetic testing, following specific guidelines.
Our communication campaigns will guide local residents on the proper management of domestic and shepherd dogs, the importance of sterilization, and the reporting of stray dog sightings to local municipalities. We expect that the involvement of relevant sectors will improve the dog management practices in the long term.
WP5 Communication & Information
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In task 5.1, our goal is to generate new knowledge by assessing people's knowledge and perceptions about wolves, evaluating the effects of communication and awareness activities of the project, and contributing to the implementation of an effective communication and participation campaign planned in other tasks of WP5.
Public attitudes toward wolves in Europe vary significantly depending on various factors such as country, region, cultural differences, history, and individual perspectives. However, over time, common themes and trends have emerged, including overall polarized views, concerns about the impact of wolves on agriculture, an urban-rural divide, policy and management approaches, legal status of the species, changing land use, transboundary challenges, and conservation value of the species. As information spreads, experiences accumulate, and policies change, attitudes toward wolves also change over time. Understanding public attitudes and perceptions is crucial for effective management because it informs strategies and policies that can gather public support and engagement, leading to effective conservation and management efforts.
We aim to generate new knowledge by studying the impact of communication on human-wolf interactions. To achieve this, we will investigate public attitudes, evaluate communication's effects on perceptions, and analyse media sentiments about wolves. We will use various research methods, including stakeholder mapping, systematic media content analysis, online surveys, focus groups, interviews, and communication training. These research methods will provide both quantitative and qualitative data that will help us gain insights into public beliefs and perceptions.
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The goal of task is to develop and implement a communication plan and strategy, taking into account also best practices from other past LIFE projects on large carnivores.
We will develop communication activities in all project areas. Project partners will work together to produce joint outputs tailored to each participating country's unique situation.
We will create specific dissemination and educational activities for the general public and NGOs on the issues related to wolf-dog interactions. We will also develop school learning activities on the main project topics. These school education events will be tailored to the different countries and their level of awareness from previous projects.
We will promote wolf-friendly practices in local areas visited frequently by tourists, such as touristic farms, protected areas, local tourism information centers.
Since the media plays a vital role in providing information to the public, especially in urban areas, it is crucial to work with the media to ensure that the project's goals, activities, and practices are communicated positively, consistently, and credibly. We will maintain regular communication with journalists and editors and prepare press releases, press conferences, and dedicated workshops.
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With this task, we aim to create a platform for coexistence between people and wolves in several European locations. The platform will organize regular meetings and scientific workshops, such as world cafés, to encourage constructive discussions on all critical issues related to the presence of wolves near human settlements. The platform will provide an open and inclusive forum to discuss the implementation and progress of various project tasks while recording the positions and needs of stakeholders. These meetings will also offer the opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue with stakeholders, share essential information and co-create solutions to local issues. Specifically, we will focus on the presence of wolves in each locality, human-wolf conflict, and tension between stakeholder groups caused by the presence of wolves.
WP6 Monitoring & Evaluation
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This task involves setting up a system to monitor the project implementation process, as well as evaluate project results, impacts, outputs, and outcomes. We will produce a monitoring and evaluation plan to keep track of the project's progress. Each work package's outputs will be monitored for timing and quality. A brief mid-term report will be created to assess the project's progress halfway through its implementation period. This report will help us determine the need for an increase in resource investment to achieve the expected outcomes. We will evaluate the project outcomes, which aim to improve the conditions for long-term conservation of wolves in different EU countries. This will be achieved by reducing conflict situations related to the wolf's presence in or nearby urban areas. The project's long-term results will be assessed through different indicators, as well as the engagement of local actors that will take increasing responsibility for translating project outputs into outcomes.
WP7 Transfer & Sustainability
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As part of our project, we will create a guidance document that can be applied in various contexts. Our goal is to develop a strategy that will help replicate the project's effects. This strategy will aim to increase the impact of our project results during its implementation and enable us to replicate and transfer our findings to a wider audience and implement them in other areas even after the project ends.
To achieve this goal, we will involve all relevant wolf management authorities in our project countries, whether at national or local levels. This will help facilitate the application of our approach in different contexts and areas. The Replicability Plan will continue beyond the lifetime of the project, promoting the development of future joint action, such as training additional staff, conducting demonstrative interventions following reports of wolves in urban and peri-urban areas, or testing our approach on other species.
We will also implement communication activities in other areas of our project countries related to wildlife in general. These activities will focus on educating people about the appropriate behavior to adopt to minimize the probability of habituating wildlife to feed on human-generated food resources.