This year, we are mapping large carnivores in the mountain ranges along the Moravian-Slovak border together with a team of organisations. The Beskydy and White Carpathians Protected Landscape Areas, Hnutí DUHA Carnivores, Carpathian Wilderness NGO, and the Kysuce Protected Landscape Area Administration are working together on this effort.
On February 7th and 8th, the team will conduct the main mapping event. Our goal is to gather crucial data on the status and distribution of large carnivores (wolves, lynx, and bears) in the region. Since these animals often cross borders, collaboration between the two countries is essential for effective protection.
The mapping involves not just the dedicated staff from protected areas but also a large group of volunteers, including members of the “Wolf and Lynx Patrols.” These volunteers will help cover an impressive 2000 km², searching for signs of wildlife such as tracks, scat, and prey remains. This large-scale effort demonstrates the power of community cooperation in protecting large carnivores.
The Beskydy region is a key European location for large carnivores, but human activities, such as illegal hunting, traffic accidents, habitat loss, and fragmented landscapes, threaten their numbers. This mapping project plays a vital role in monitoring and ensuring the survival of these incredible animals.
The results from last year’s mapping are published in Acta Carpathica Occidentalis, showcasing the ongoing success of this important conservation work.
Stay tuned for the exciting results to come! In the meantime, feel free to follow our other activities and stay connected.