PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Wolves (Canis lupus) are protected in the Alps under the Habitats Directive and the Alpine wolf population is recognised as a unique entity under EU guidelines for large carnivores. Since the 1990s the wolf has naturally recovered in the western Alps of Italy and France, and in 2012 also spread into the Central Alps from the Italian and Dinaric populations. Since 2018, the wolf population has been increasing in density in the Western Alps and expanding further into the Central-Eastern Alps.
A network to coordinate wolf population management was set up in Italy and Slovenia under the LIFE WOLFALPS project. But because its institutions are fragmented, an overall conservation approach has never been implemented. Wolves continue to suffer from poisoning, public controversy and conflicts with livestock husbandry and hunters. Habitat fragmentation is increasing, partly due to growing tourism, and optimal reproductive sites are diminishing. In addition, interbreeding with dogs has been recorded as another threat.
OBJECTIVES
The goal of the LIFE WOLFALPS EU project was to improve human- wolf coexistence at the Alpine wolf population level by implementing coordinated actions over the entire Alpine ecosystem. Both the areas of longer-term presence (Western Alps) and recent re-colonisation (Central-Eastern Alps) were covered, and activities were based on identified threats to the species.
The main objectives were to:
- overcome current fragmented management practices at both local and national level and apply an overall coordination approach for the first time in Europe by:
- developing and strengthening a wolf alpine network at technical and institutional level
- estimating the entire Alpine wolf population and threat impacts
- detecting and responding to wolf-dog cross-breeding events and injured wolves
- reducing poisoning and poaching
- explore the sources of conflict hotspots and develop best practice solutions by:
- implementing new preventative approaches which decrease the impact on livestock husbandry
- increasing knowledge on wolves and countering mass-media disinformation
- working with hunters to evaluate the role of wolves in predator-prey hunting dynamics and developing economically-sustainable ecotourism.
The project aimed to contribute to the Habitats Directive by improving the coexistence between humans and wolves. It also supported the restoration of ecosystems and their services and addressed the global biodiversity crisis, focusing on the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030.
RESULTS
The project made significant strides in improving wolf-human coexistence across the Alpine wolf population, spanning Italy, France, Austria, and Slovenia, while also coordinating with countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. It established a robust network of 5,574 operators who conducted comprehensive, cross-border, science-based monitoring of the Alpine wolf population. These operators received training through 123 workshops and courses, and the project developed and optimized laboratory protocols for a novel genotyping method employing high-throughput sequencing of microsatellites. Five international Alpine working groups and a scientific committee enhanced conservation efforts and reinforced positive outcomes. Additionally, national and regional authorities engaged with stakeholders to discuss management strategies across various platforms.
The project emphasized a participatory approach in revising Slovenia's Wolf Population Strategy, which the Slovenian government adopted in May 2025. An innovative approach to livestock protection was devised with the Wolf Prevention Intervention Unit (WPIU), where 400 trained operators across 43 units helped more than 1000 breeders with almost 2000 interventions, distributing tools such as electric fences and informing them about funds available for prevention and damage compensation. Breeders took part in training sessions and field consultations, while 50 meetings provided a forum for open discussions and dissemination of preventive measures.
To reduce wolf mortality from poisoning, seven new Anti-poisoning Dog Units (APDU) were established—six in Italy and one in Austria—to search for poisoned baits, conducting more than 1000 interventions. Hunters were involved in analyzing predator-prey dynamics. The project also addressed wolf-dog hybridization, particularly in areas like the Apennine Corridor, Cottian Alps, and Lombardy Region. Efforts also reduced habitat fragmentation in the Susa Valley, improving 4.5 km of railway and 2 km of highway.
Ecotourism activities exceeded expectations with 143 events attracting 3,264 participants, including winter snow tracking and summer pasture visits. Further activities included 17 nature guide trainings, 15 wolf-themed evenings in France, an art camp in Slovenia, the launch of ecoexistence.it on wolf-friendly products labelling, and the release of 17 ecotourism packages by four operators. The Young Ranger program thrived, with over 5,000 kids directly participating across 146 celebration days and 165 events.
The project achieved outstanding communication results, hosting 223 public events that reached 57,938 people while producing and distributing various communication materials.
