PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The wolf (Canis lupus) is listed as protected species under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Bern Convention. During the 2010s, the range of the breeding wolf population expanded across Europe. In Finland, the wolf spread strongly into human-dominated landscapes in Southern and Western Finland, after an absence of over 100 years. This resulted in several conflictual situations.
Finnish wolf policy has been hampered by incompatibilities between government policies, administration practices, wildlife research methods and civil society. In addition, a polarised media presentation has exacerbated these issues, leading to a deeper and long-standing conflict manifested as increased illegal killings and strong calls for wolf hunting, as well as fear of wolves, unwillingness to share ungulate game with wolves, and mistrust of official wolf population estimates.
OBJECTIVES
The overall goal of LIFE BOREALWOLF was to enhance the long-term status of the wolf and maintain the long-term population viability of the species in Finland through improved coexistence of humans and large carnivores. This was to involve maintaining a minimum of 25 wolf family packs (as defined in the national population management plan) in Finland and stabilising the breeding population in the long-term.
The main objectives of the project were:
- reducing societal tension by increasing public acceptance of wolves,
- mitigating negative aspects of wolf presence (i.e. fear, harm to livestock and dogs),
- creating tools to reduce illegal killing.
The project aimed to achieve this through:
- improved awareness of biodiversity, habitat and natural synergies,
- developing more efficient harm and damage mitigation approaches,
- building collaborative relationships between civil society, government, wildlife administrations, research and management.
RESULTS
LIFE BOREALWOLF’s outcomes include a science-based, stakeholder‑supported monitoring system that underpins national wolf population assessments, stronger cooperation between rural communities and authorities, and the uptake of practical tools that directly reduce conflict and economic losses. The project’s emphasis on communication and dialogue, transparency, collaboration and adaptive management has enhanced public trust.
At a broader scale, the project provides tools and protocols already adapted for use outside Finland.
Other key results:
The DNA-based monitoring successfully led to the adoption of a new single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based assay and expanded volunteer sampling from 83 to 174 contributors, achieving and sustaining an over 90% territory coverage by 2025, despite the wolf population growth.
The anti-poaching hotspot tool and MSE (Management Strategy Evaluation) model were piloted and fully operational by late 2023. The anti-poaching hotspot tool reached all wildlife wardens and over 200 law-enforcement officers; the online MSE interface was introduced to 51 moose-management areas and trialed by 200 managers.
Practical mitigation actions produced an online ‘toolbox’ for farmers, delivered 72km of protective fences and 168 trail cameras to 43 farms, and carried out over 270 farm visits. The plan for protecting hunting dogs was conducted through a trial of commercially available vests: 200 hunting dogs tested vests through winter 2024–2025, with no vest-wearing dogs injured.
Collaborative outreach revamped the LCO (Large Carnivore Observer) network, publishing a guidebook, rolling out a 6-module e-course with 700+ completions, and hosting 21 regional territory-cooperation seminars.
The patrolling and networking activities to combat wildlife crime, particularly illegal wolf killings, in Eastern Finland proved fruitful. Results indicate improved enforcement efforts, increased public reporting of suspected wildlife crimes, and enhanced cooperation among enforcement agencies. The presence of a wildlife patrol contributed to the establishment of new wolf territories and a reduction in illegal activities.
Furthermore, proactive community engagement helped mitigate conflicts. The project demonstrated that a dedicated wildlife patrol unit can significantly enhance surveillance, enforcement, and public engagement, providing a cost-effective model for addressing wildlife crime.
Although challenges remain, the project’s achievements lay groundwork for a functioning management system.
