Fresh wolf tracks in the snow on Stara planina

WWF Adria has just completed the installation of five camera traps on Stara planina, aimed at monitoring the movements of large predators —bears, wolves, and lynxes. While searching for the best locations for the cameras, we came across fresh wolf tracks in the snow!

With the goal of determining the extent to which climate change has impacted the corridors used by large predators, we installed five camera traps in a pilot area to monitor whether and to what extent large carnivores inhabit the Stara planina Nature Park.

It is well known that bears, wolves, and lynxes need natural expanses to live, feed, and reproduce. However, the effects of climate change have raised concerns that their movement patterns are shifting—possibly closer to populated areas. When talking about effects, we mean the increasingly frequent wildfires, such as the large fire we witnessed on Stara planina late last year, as well as prolonged droughts that devastate forest vegetation. Additionally, changes in water regimes contribute to drought, along with illegal logging, the killing of wild animals, and excessive exploitation of natural resources. As a result, food sources for bears decline, as do populations of natural prey that wolves rely on, forcing them to seek food where it is more readily available—in mountain settlements.

Wild species are the lifeblood of our planet—they enable the development of natural ecosystems, support the growth and proper functioning of forests, and maintain stable, well-organized mountain ecosystems. Large carnivores provide crucial ecosystem services: bears, by feeding on wild plant species, disperse seeds, thereby helping to preserve ecosystems, while wolves and jackals, by feeding on the carcasses of dead animals, reduce the spread of diseases. Healthy ecosystems support economic development, enhance resilience to climate change, and sustain livelihoods worldwide.

The leading causes of species extinction include agricultural expansion, urban development, deforestation, overfishing, the use of unsustainable energy sources, and pollution of seas, water bodies, and land, all of which lead to habitat destruction, water loss, and climate crises.

The wolf tracks we found confirm their stable presence on Stara planina. While they are not highly endangered in this region, it is essential to uphold sustainability principles to ensure the long-term survival of the local population. We also hope that the footage from these camera traps will capture other carnivores such as bears and lynxes.

A shadow has been cast over our efforts by the recent decision to downgrade the protection status of wolves under the Bern Convention, officially took effect on March 6. This political decision could pose a serious threat not only to wolf populations in Europe but also to the functioning of forest ecosystems, given that wolves sit at the top of the food chain in nature.

To ensure the survival of large predators in their natural habitats while minimizing human encounters with bears, wolves, and lynxes, we are conducting numerous activities. Some of the most important efforts include planting vegetation that serves as food for large carnivores, working with all stakeholders along their migration corridors (protected area managers, hunters, representatives of forestry and livestock communities, local residents, and local authorities), and setting up camera traps to monitor these animals.

Our next planned activity within the ForestConnect project is clearing the pilot area, followed by planting native forest fruit species and shrubs along existing corridors used by large carnivores.