In 8 European Countries - Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden
Project Areas
Croatia - Gorski kotar, Lika and Dalmatia
Wolves in Croatia are found in three main regions: Gorski kotar and Lika in the northwest, which are Alpine, and Dalmatia in the southeast, which is Mediterranean. They also inhabit the western edge of the continental region.
In Gorski kotar and Lika, there are limestone karst areas covered mostly by mixed beech and fir forests. In Dalmatia, the vegetation is regenerating shrubland of deciduous forest.
In the Alpine and continental regions, wolves mostly hunt wild ungulates, while in the Mediterranean region, they often target domestic animals, including dogs. There have been cases of wolf-dog hybridization, especially in Dalmatia, which needs further study.
Wolves disappeared from Dalmatia in the late 1980s but resettled in the early 1990s. The human population in Dalmatia decreased since the 1960s, leading to the recovery of forests. Wild boars returned in the 1980s, followed by roe deer around 2020. Wolves mainly prey on domestic animals, leading to conflicts with locals who sometimes resort to illegal killing methods.
Golden jackals are also present and expanding, while bears and lynx occasionally appear in Dalmatia.
Czech Republic, North Bohemia
In North Bohemia, Czech Republic, wolf numbers are highest. The first wolf pack settled in Ralsko hills in 2014, with the breeding female originating from a German pack called "Dauban". Since then, reproduction has been confirmed every year until 2019.
In the following years, more packs were established in North Bohemia, including in PLA Brounsko, Ore Mountains, Lusatian Mountains, and Jizerské Mountains. By 2017/2018, there were 10 confirmed wolf territories in the region.
Due to the growing wolf population in Central Europe, North Bohemia was chosen as a model area for monitoring range expansion. This allows for observing adaptation, speciation, and coevolution mechanisms.
There have been sightings of bold wolves near public roads and houses, including a confirmed case of F1 hybridization between a dog and a wolf in the Šluknov region in 2016.
Italy – Piedmont Region, Majella National Park and other areas
In Italy, the wolf population has been growing for the past 30 years, with wolves now spread across the country. The first national survey estimated over 3300 wolves. In Piedmont, located in northwest Italy, there's diverse land use, from mountains to agricultural areas and big cities. Piedmont has over 45 wolf packs, comprising about 70% of Italy's Alpine wolf population. Wolves are found in mountain areas and even close to cities like Turin.
Majella National Park, in central-south Italy, has high-altitude beech forests and pastures where wolves have always lived. The park hosts 13 wolf packs, making it one of Europe's most densely populated wolf areas. The park area includes 39 municipalities, with about 18,000 grazing sheep and 2,000 cows.
Wolves interacting with people, preying on dogs, and coming near homes are increasing nationwide. The Life Wild Wolf project aims to manage this by monitoring wolf behavior, gathering data, and improving the capability of technical staff to handle problematic cases, with support from the Carabinieri Forestry Corps.
Germany - Lower Saxony
Lower Saxony, a state in northwest Germany, is rich in history, diverse landscapes, and economic significance. With around 8 million people, it's one of Germany's most populous states, offering a mix of urban and rural life for a vibrant cultural scene.
The region's landscape varies greatly. Along the North Sea coast, there are beautiful beaches, islands, and coastal towns, including the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Inland, you'll find expansive fields, forests, and rivers, with the famous Lüneburg Heath adding to the scenery.
Lower Saxony thrives in agriculture, growing crops like cereals, potatoes, and fruits thanks to its fertile soils. Livestock farming, particularly pigs, poultry, and cattle, is also significant, with sheep farming aiding in landscape conservation.
In terms of industry, Lower Saxony is a key player. Cities like Hanover, Braunschweig, and Wolfsburg are renowned for automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and research, showcasing the state's innovation and economic strength.
Greece, Parnitha National Park
Mount Parnitha, located 20 km north of Athens, stands as the largest and highest mountain in Attica, with its highest peak reaching 1,350m. Designated as Parnitha National Park in 1961, it encompasses an area of diverse flora and fauna, alongside intense geomorphological and habitat diversity. The Park has an annual influx of over 1 million park visitors.
The fauna of Parnitha is the richest in Attica, including 42 species of mammals, among which the red deer (Cervus elaphus) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus). The wolf was present in Mount Panitha until the 1960’s, when it was extirpated. Its presence was reported for the first time after decades, in 2012, when the species recolonised the area. Notably, the population of Canis lupus in Parnitha National Park is one of the few populations of the species in Europe that is included in Annex II of the Directive 92/43/EEC.
Given that Parnitha’s red deer population is the largest in Greece, studying the population dynamics between red deer and wolves, particularly given its proximity to peri-urban areas is of major importance. This will inform management strategies put in place, ensuring the long-term coexistence of wolves, deer, and humans within the park's boundaries. years) which soon started to positively provoke the interest of residents and naturalists in Athens.
Portugal, Peneda-Gerês National Park and surrounding mountains
Northwest Portugal, including Peneda-Gerês National Park and surrounding mountains, is home to a significant wolf population, with up to 16 packs, representing a quarter of Portugal's wolves. They mainly prey on domestic animals due to scarce wild prey and conflicts with humans. Wolves often venture near settlements, targeting unprotected livestock and domestic dogs.
The region has a mix of human-dominated landscapes, with villages and agricultural land in low-lying areas and communal shrublands and forests in the mountains. Human activity, including livestock grazing, tourism, and infrastructure development, affects even remote areas. Despite threats like wildfires and invasive vegetation, the region still provides habitat for rare species.
The project area includes three Natura2000 sites and national protected areas like Peneda-Gerês National Park and Corno do Bico Protected Landscape Area. These areas are crucial for conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation.
Slovenia, Dinaric Region & Alpine area
In Slovenia, wolves have made a remarkable recovery from near-extinction in the mid-20th century. Today, there are around 120 wolves spread across the country. Slovenia is divided into two main regions: the Dinaric and Alpine areas.
The Dinaric region is crucial as it acts as a source population for dispersal towards the Eastern Alps, Italy, and Austria. It's a biodiverse hotspot with dense forests, hosting not only wolves but also brown bears and Eurasian lynx. This area is vital for maintaining complex interactions between these large carnivores.
The Alpine area serves as a link between the Dinaric Mountains and the Alps. Wolves have recently started recolonizing this area, with solitary individuals appearing since the mid-1990s. Notably, Nanos and Trnovski gozd areas have been hosting wolf packs since 2009, facilitating the connection between the Dinaric Mountains and the Eastern Alps.
Sweden, Värmland
In Värmland, Sweden, there are around 200 nature reserves and over 20 Natura 2000 areas. In 2019, Värmland had 40% of the wolf territories in the region. Wolves are frequently seen or their tracks are found in human settlements, averaging over 20 sightings per year.
The landscape of Värmland is diverse, dominated by boreal forests with some agricultural land. Forests cover 83% of the county, mostly owned privately. The area is heavily forested with clear-cuts and a dense network of forest roads. Grazing pastures for livestock cover about 1% of the land, with sheep mainly kept in fenced areas. The majority of sheep farms have fewer than 50 ewes.
Eurasian lynx, brown bear, golden eagle, wolf, and wolverine are the main large carnivores present. Moose, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, badger, beaver, brown hare, mountain hare, capercaillie, and black grouse are among the main wild prey species in the area.