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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
2 wolfs in the snow

The overall objective of the WOLFLIFE project was to maintain a viable wolf population in the Carpathian Mountains. The projects area covers the central and southern parts of the Eastern Carpathians, including 18 Natura 2000 network sites in which the wolf is protected.

WOLFLIFE successfully developed a National Action Plan for the wolf (Canis lupus) in Romania, implemented diverse conservation actions for wolf populations in 18 Natura 2000 network sites, and helped positively change attitudes regarding wolves in society.

The project team developed the National Action Plan (NAP) for the wolf in Romania, which was approved in July 2018 by the Minister for the Environment. Effective wolf management and conservation strategies were developed.

Improving wolf-human coexistence and developing good practices for preventing conflicts with wolves was a key success story of WOLFLIFE. The project led to the establishment of the Centre for the Reproduction, Care and Surveillance of Livestock Guarding Dogs (CRISCPS). A breeding programme for livestock guarding dogs was successfully launched, along with the establishment of a long-term guard dog owners network. The project team identified and evaluated traditional livestock farms, in terms of the risk of damage from wolves. The project implemented best practices and demonstration actions, including the use of electrical systems and repellents, to reduce conflicts between livestock farmers and wolves in six pilot areas. In addition, the project team developed plans and methodologies to estimate the density of wandering feral dogs in wolf habitats, which compete with wolves for prey.

The project is highly relevant to the implementation of the EU Habitats Directives and for agri-environmental schemes, as the aim was to reach and maintain the favourable conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species.