White Wilderness 2012:
Carpathian Wolf Watch
At its launch in 2010 this ground-breaking project was commended by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. We have completed two successful field seasons and the project is due to run until 2014.
What is the work and why is it needed?
While some environmentalists claim that the annual winter hunting season leaves less than 150 wolves in Slovakia, official game statistics list more than 1,500: a huge difference! And it's a similar situation with lynx. Are predators being hunted towards extinction, as the environmentalists say, or becoming too numerous, as hunters claim? The dispute shows the clear need for reliable, objective methods to estimate numbers of predators.
The White Wilderness project brings together international volunteers and local people, nature conservationists, foresters, landowners and hunters. Under the close supervision of experienced project staff, volunteers track wolves and lynx and collect samples for DNA analysis, which will allow us to determine the minimum number of animals in the area as well as to detect changes which could require urgent intervention.
Project area
Lying between the Tatra National Park to the north and the Low Tatras National Park to the south, the spectacular region of Liptov is a real treat for lovers of nature and the outdoors. Around 50% is covered by forests, which reach up to 1,500m (5,000 feet) above sea level. Beyond that is a zone of dwarf pine and higher still are alpine meadows. In the winter, much of the wildlife, including carnivores and their prey, move to the foothills and valleys to avoid the deepest snow, and it is here that most of our fieldwork will be focussed.
Accommodation and food
Groups will stay in a fully rennovated guesthouse with showers and modern amenities, situated in wooded surroundings at the edge of Nízke Tatry (Low Tatras) National Park. The shared bedrooms sleep 2–4 people each and there is a dining/common room. Meals provided on field days will be: buffet breakfast, packed lunch, cooked dinner.
Conditions
Participants make their own way to the meeting point at Bratislava main train station at midday on Saturday. From this point until drop off at the same place the following Friday afternoon, all necessary in-country travel, accommodation, food, equipment and training will be provided. All participants must take out adequate medical and travel insurance. Please read our full Terms & Conditions.
Fitness requirements
You should be prepared to walk 10-20 km per day in hilly to mountainous terrain with snow cover. On some routes, snow shoes may be required and will be provided. Don't worry if you haven't used them before, it's not difficult and you will be given instruction and time to practice. If you are a competent cross-country or alpine skier and have your own equipment, feel free to bring it along.
Dates
In 2012, winter fieldwork will be carried out over a 3-week period, chosen to coincide with the best chance for snow cover for tracking purposes and to assess population status at the end of the hunting season. You can take part for 1 week (6 nights), 2 weeks (13 nights) or all 3 weeks (20 nights). The dates are:
Week 1: 21 January - 27 January 2012 Places left: 2
Week 2: 28 January - 03 February 2012 Places left: 1
Week 3: 04 February - 10 February 2012 Places left: 2
Prices and booking
The project is funded almost entirely by contributions from volunteers. To join the project for 1 week we ask for a contribution of €750, which includes 6 nights' accommodation, meals, equipment, training, lectures, field work and in-country transport. Stay for a second week and receive a 10% discount, take part for all three weeks and you'll get 20% off! If you are a student or work for a recognised wildlife charity or not-for-profit organisation, we may be able to offer discounted rates. Contact us for details. Places are limited, so we advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.
To reserve a place, please complete the Booking & Consent Form and email it to us. We also require a non-refundable deposit of €300 per person which should be sent to our account by bank transfer: click here for details. After we receive your completed form and deposit payment we will confirm your booking and send you a Volunteer Information Pack with full details of the project and your role within it. We will then contact you around 8 weeks before you are due to join the project to request the balance of payment.
Please note that we are a conservation charity with limited resouces to enter into lengthy correspondence and administration. If you would prefer to have individual support available before travelling to Slovakia, please consider making your booking online through our partner agency: Working Abroad.
Partners
The project is run with the support of The Wolves and Humans Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping wolves in the wild. SWS works closely with local communities: the State Nature Conservancy, national park authorities, the State Forestry Service, private landowners and hunters as well as schools, universities and the general public are encouraged to take on active roles. We also cooperate with colleagues in neighbouring countries sharing Carpathian carnivore populations, including Hnutí Duha in the Czech Republic and members of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
