Project acronym: Carnivora Dinarica (1.983.897,98 ERDF)
Lead Partner: Univerza v Ljubljani
Project Partners: Zavod za gozdove Slovenije, Občina Pivka, Javna ustanova Nacionalni park Risnjak, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Veterinarski fakultet, WWF Adria – Udruga za zaštitu prirode i očuvanje biološke raznolikosti, Grad Vrbovsko, Primorsko-goranska županija
Carnivora Dinarica aims to improve conservation status of large carnivores (LCs=lynx, wolf, and bear) in the Natura 2000 areas Javorniki-Snežnik, Notranjski trikotnik and Gorski kotar i S. Lika. This unique landscape of countinuous transboundary forests in Central Europe is shared by appr. 20 lynx, 50 wolves and 600 bears. Their long-term conservation is vital for preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in the SI-HR area. Therefore, the project focuses on 3 common CHALLENGES: i)concretization of strategies and mending of gaps in CB management of LCs; ii)mitigation of threats to LCs, especially the increasing pressure of humans, (traffic mortality, agricultural damages, habitat fragmentation), and iii)(mis)understanding of the roles of LCs in ecosystems.
As a contrast to previous projects, Carnivora Dinarica will, for the first time, address these issues systematically, complementary to national/EU policies, and especially through transfer of knowledge from research to practice at the local level. The measures are designed to ensure transferability and durability after the project is completed. THE PROJECT WILL:
– IMPROVE TRANSBOUNDARY MANAGEMENT OF LCs through harmonisation of measures for wolf and lynx, a better understanding of threats to habitat connectivity, and of ecosystem services, and strengthening of collaboration between institutions from both countries;
– DECREASE THREATS TO LCs through 10 demo-activities, such as a best-practice farm, damage prevention fences, sheep dogs, installation of active signalization, young lynx rehabilitation area, bear-resistant bins, visitors management measures in the NP Risnjak, Snežnik and Kolpa areas and creation of a Centre for visitor management and awareness raising about LCs in Pivka;
– STRENGTHEN COMPETENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE AND WAYS OF COEXISTENCE BETWEEN HUMANS AND LCs through training of over 280 national and local stakeholders and residents of conflict areas.
