LIFE IBRIWOLF “Pilot actions for the reduction of the loss of genetic patrimony of the wolf in central Italy”

The LIFE IBRIWOLF project  (LIFE10 NAT/IT/000265), funded under the LIFE+ Program of the European Union, started on 30/09/2011 and ended on 28/02/2015. The project involved the Province of Grosseto, as coordinating beneficiary, and as associated beneficiaries the University of Rome La Sapienza – Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin,” WWF Italy, the Maremma Regional Park, and the Union of Mountain Municipalities of the Amiata Grossetano.

The intervention area covered the entire territory of the Province of Grosseto (4500 Km2).

The role of the IEA was to provide technical-administrative support for the management of the project.

The aim of the project was to implement concrete actions to counter the phenomenon of wolf-dog hybridization. The LIFE IBRIWOLF project was the first project in Europe to experiment with pilot actions for the removal of hybrids.

The main objectives of the project were:

– capturing hybrid wolf-dog individuals and transferring them to the CRAS of Semproniano;

– reduce number of free ranging dogs;

– developing an operational protocol for the management of free ranging dogs and wolf-dog hybridization;

– developing a participatory process for the conservation and management of the wolf.

To achieve the above objectives, the main actions carried out were:

– Monitoring the presence, distribution, and numerical consistency of the wolf (collecting biological samples for genetic analysis, camera trapping, induced howling);

– Analysis of the wolf-dog hybridization phenomenon (genetic analysis of biological samples);

– Capture of hybrid wolf-dog individuals;

– Microchipping and sterilization campaigns of owned dogs raised in rural environments;

– Establishment of a technical table, at the provincial level, to counter canine stray;

– Communication and awareness-raising activities aimed at stakeholders and schools on the phenomenon of canine stray.

For more information:

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE10-NAT-IT-000265/pilot-actions-for-the-reduction-of-the-loss-of-genetic-patrimony-of-the-wolf-in-central-iltaly

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