Volunteer opportunities

Winter wolf and lynx tracking in the Tatra Mountains

The main aim of the project, "White Wilderness: Carpathian Wolf Watch", is to implement non-invasive methods to determine the numbers of these predators. While environmentalists have claimed that the annual winter hunting season leaves only 130 wolves in Slovakia, official hunting statistics report there to be more than 10 times this number. Objective methods of monitoring the population are therefore essential to ensure that the hunting quota is set at a sustainable level. Under the close guidance of experienced and qualified scientists, volunteers will help to conduct a systematic natural sign survey as well as collecting samples for DNA and dietary analyses. More >>

Monitoring chamois and predators

The main focus will be on the Tatra chamois, a sub-species unique to the Tatra Mountains, and its potential predators and threats to their survival. In 2001-2005 the Slovak Wildlife Society together with BTCV (now TCV) and national park staff conducted an annual census of the chamois in the Low Tatras National Park and analysed the diets of wolves and bears in the area. We found that, following previous decline, numbers of chamois had stabilised at around 100 individuals. Because the population is so small, it is important to monitor it closely for changes. Therefore we are repeating the 5-year monitoring programme in 2011-2015. We will also use the opportunity to conduct behavioural observations of the chamois and assess threats to them. The Low Tatras National Park is a beautiful area to work in and volunteers have seen a great deal of wildlife including, for the lucky ones, both wolves and bears. More >>