Camera traps reveal wolf pups born in the Broumov area
7.9.2016, Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR) a Friends of the Earth Czech Republic (Hnutí DUHA)
Wolf pack that settled in the Broumov region in autumn 2015 welcomed at least two newborn pups this spring. Reproduction success was confirmed over the summer when Friends of the Earth field workers managed to record pack's howling and the pups appeared on the camera trap footage. This proves that there are at least four wolves now living in the Broumov area. The following video montage showing Broumov young wolves in play expands our current knowledge of the grey wolf distribution in the Czech Republic.
The first reproduction of wolves in our country after more than a century was recorded in 2014 in the Kokořínsko-Mácha's Region PLA. Here, the wolves thrive already for three years.[1] That the wolves have now also recolonized the Broumov region and are reproducing there only confirms the trend of carnivores, which were extinct in the past, gradually returning to the Czech countryside. So far, two pairs of wolves are known to have raised their young in the Czech Republic.
In the past weeks, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic carried out intensive monitoring in the area inhabited by Broumov wolves focused primarily on collecting scat samples for DNA and diet analysis. The results of these analyses will determine the origin of wolves and the composition of their diet.
The wider area of the Broumov wolf pack’s home range provides enough prey such as mouflon or deer. The wolves contribute to the recovery of the entire ecosystem by regulating the overpopulated ungulate species.
However, local farmers also reported damage to livestock mainly as a result of the insufficient protection of grazing animals. Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic offers advice to livestock farmers as well as assistance with damage claims and a loan of electric fences with power source. Experience from the German Lausitz, where an estimated one hundred wolves live, shows that damage can be prevented.
As a part of the new project in areas that are being recolonized by wolves, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic will also offer help to the sheep farmers with the protection of their herds including assistance with obtaining trained shepherd dogs, loan of electric fences and expert advice.
Miroslav Kutal of Friends of the Earth Czech Republic (local organization Olomouc) explains: “Gradual return of wolves to Czech regions is a result of expanding lowland populations of wolves in Germany and Western Poland where the total of about 70 wolf packs live. The footage of wolf pups from the Broumov area is unique and demonstrates that large carnivores can permanently thrive in our landscape if we give them a chance. The experience from other countries, including neighbouring Germany, shows that the presence of wolves does not need to be in conflict with sheep farming, it is, however, necessary to implement preventative measures to reduce the damage. That is why both Friends of the Earth Czech Republic and the state conservation agency are discussing the issue with farmers, offering them advice and help.”
Petr Kafka of Broumovsko PLA administration – the regional office of Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic for East Bohemia added: “Three years ago when we recorded rare occurrences of migrating wolves in the Broumov region, we did not imagine that in such a short time wolves would become a regular part of our nature. Observations and findings of occurrence signs from the past year indicate that from now on we need to count with the wolf presence. Wolves belong here which is why we try to offer effective support to local livestock farmers.”
Petr Urban, chairman of the District Hunting Association in Náchod said: “The occurrence of wolves in the Broumov region reflects the consistency and systematic nature of the current legislation in the field of nature and landscape conservation in the Czech Republic and the European Union. Improving nature conditions in ever larger areas throughout Europe mean wolf populations are able to increase in numbers and expand to new territories. Of course, there is a negative side to this success too in the form of disapproval from part of the public. Return of such species to the area from which it had long been extinct due to perceived damage to human activities is the most common objection. As with other species, the possibility of wolf return as a result of increased protection was to be expected. The question was not if, but when. That is why we need a serious and constructive debate involving all stakeholders including nature conservation organizations, farmers, and hunters.”
Notes:
[1] More footage of wolves in the Kokořínsko-Mácha's Region PLA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_OiJBgkunk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-tgao-HJ94
[2] Video footage was obtained within the project supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway „Monitoring of important European carnivore species in selected localities within the Natura 2000“ (more at http://monitoring.selmy.cz) on which Friends of the Earth Czech Republic (local organization Olomouc) cooperates closely with Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, Charles University, University of Ostrava and the Administration of Krkonoše National Park and Czech Switzerland National Park.
Contacts:
Miroslav Kutal, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic – local organization Olomouc (large carnivore expert): miroslav.kutal@hnutiduha.cz
Petr Kafka, Broumovsko PLA Administration – regional office of Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic for East Bohemia (zoologist): petr.kafka@nature.cz
Karolína Šůlová, Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (spokeswoman): karolina.sulova@nature.cz
