Supporting balanced coexistence between livestock farmers and large predators

Field actions, awareness-raising activities, and participation in scientific research

Duration2024-2028
LocationsSuisse - Valais, Vaud et Neuchâtel
Partners
  • Association OPPAL
Project funding
Context

Since its natural return in 1995, the wolf population in Switzerland has grown significantly, rising from around ten individuals to nearly 320 in 2025. This has intensified conflicts with pastoralism, particularly due to damage caused during the summer grazing of herds on alpine pastures. At the same time, legislation has evolved toward more flexible regulation measures, including the authorization of preventive culling.

objectives
  • Reduce conflicts between pastoralism and large carnivores (mainly the wolf)
  • Raise awareness, inform, encourage reflection, and develop empathy in the classroom
  • Develop new applied conservation technologies
actions
  • Herd monitoring (sheep and cows) and deterrence: through volunteers and civil service workers using professional equipment, at the request of farmers facing high wolf pressure
  • Awareness-raising: more than 20 four-period school workshops per year in 7H and 8H grade classes, covering coexistence with wildlife, the ecology of large carnivores, and how to use a shared territory
  • Science: development of a smart tag prototype
© Fabian Leu
© Valérie Meizoz
© Fabian Leu
© Fabian Leu
© Fabian Leu
© Fabian Leu
Partners

OPPAL defends biodiversity and promotes the establishment of peaceful coexistence between wildlife and human activities.
The association's work focuses on field actions, awareness-raising activities, and participation in scientific research.

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