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Newsletter Spring 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:20:31 +0200

Dear friends, a spring fresh version of the LHNet newsletter is now available.

Enjoy reading!

Wilderness Working Group meeting

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:42:14 +0200

On 11 and 12 April LHNet joined the Wilderness Working Group (WWG) meeting in Brussels. This working group brings together leading wild area practitioners and nature protection organizations from across Europe. It is meant as a technical expertise group to the Wild Europe Initiative.

Its work includes assessing practical definitions, mapping, support for new initiatives such as the Wilderness Register, and fundraising proposals for a Pan-European communications strategy. Main topics this meeting were the Wilderness Register and a discussion and agreement on the wilderness definition.

Vote for funding EOCA

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:03:30 +0200

The European Outdoor Conservation Association (eoca) has selected six nature projects for funding. Now public may decide which of these projects will make it to the last round through an online voting process. Voting is possible until 1st of April.

We wish all the project candidates good luck!

Bison and Biodiversity

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:07:04 +0100

In an article published on National Geographic NewsWatch, Jordan Schaul reports on the effect of wood bison on its environment. "Wood bison will balance an ecosystem which has been inappropriately manipulated by people for hundreds of years".

Read the full article here.

New project for LHNet: Conservation and restoration of wild reindeer populations

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:20:20 +0100

Together with the Russian Academy of Sciences, LHNet started to work on a preparation project, financed by the WNF INNO fund for international nature conservation activities. The wild reindeer populations of the Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous District in Russia are under increasing pressure from oil and gas exploitation. The aim of the project as a whole is to identify conflicts between reindeer and the oil and gas industry and eventually to define management measures which will reduce and, where possible, avoid conflicts.

The outcome of the project will be the conservation of critical habitats and calving grounds, and preservation of migration routes of wild reindeer. It will also consider the interests of the indigenous communities of reindeer herders, who are to some extent in conflict with wild reindeer, which compete with domestic reindeer for pasture. It is hoped that the project will demonstrate that cooperation between conservationists and industry can contribute to improving the status of threatened wildlife in the Russian Arctic region.

For more information, visit the project’s web page.

Newsletter Christmas 2011

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:29:25 +0100

Dear LHNet followers!

Enjoy reading the Christmas newsletter 2011.

LHNet wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Photo credits: T. Kaminski, T. Sipko, J. Exalto, P. Kaczensky, K. Zub, S. Zacek Wild Wonders of Europe, unknown author.

Where did the wild horse go

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:52:58 +0100

Wild horses have been an intricate part of the wildlife of Europe since hundreds of thousands of years. During historical times, wild horses have been described by contemporaries from the ancient period, until the 19th century.

Truly wild horse species?

There is no doubt that wild horses should have their rightful place in Europe’s nature areas today. It becomes a lot more complicated when the question arises which horse breeds to choose as a truly wild horse species. It doesn’t make sense to automatically translate the Tarpan to the whole of Europe. The appearance of animals is determined by their genetic make-up but also by the environment they live in.

From all the archaeozoological remains studied and from examples like ancient colour genetic studies, it becomes clear that the appearance of horses changed constantly and varied widely in the course of time and according to the various ecoregions they inhabite.

Przewalski or European wild horse breeds

The alternative would be to simply choose for the only recognized wild horse: the Przewalski horse. However, Przewalski horses did split from Equus Caballus Caballus some time ago, so they present another type of Equine. Unknown to many, a lot of horses in Europe fit those criteria. And in total, all those ecotypes represent a unique diversity of wild and feral horses spanning virtually the whole of Europe.

24 Horse ecotypes

LHNet’s expert, Drs. Henri Kerkdijk-Otten prepared a rather impressive list of 24 horse ecotypes.

He stressed: “It is strange to see that the general public knows so little about most of them. It would be a shame if we would lose those valuable horses, because at least some of them truly represent ancient ecotypes and genes. More research is currently being done and still has to be done. Until we know more, we should at least try to protect those breeds.”

He concludes: “If a European-wide rewilding scheme ever wants to reach its optimum, then we should take advantage of this enormous wealth of biodiversity and genetic diversity and start using them in those areas where they belong. And of course… let nature take its course from there.”

Read the full article on LHNet’s website.

Expansion large mammal species?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:11:32 +0100

In an article published on Discovery News, Jennifer Viegas reports on scientists' prediction that it may be possible to clone a woolly mammoth within the next five years. They are currently analysing the marrow from a mammoth thigh bone found in the Siberian permafrost. Cloning mammoths will no doubt raise many questions.

Read the full article here.

Where are stable 50-year-old landscapes with patches and long, wide corridors?

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:41:33 +0100

Do conservation corridors work? Examples sought in Europe.

Dr. Paul Beier and Dr. Andrew J. Gregory of the School of Forestry and Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, U.S.A. initiated a study to determine if conservation corridors work. The goal of their study is to measure the ability of long, wide corridors to promote gene flow and long-term patch occupancy among habitat blocks that are embedded in a human dominated (row crop ag, industrial forest, urban matrix).

Conservation corridors are an intervention intended to promote demographic and genetic exchange at levels sufficient to sustain plants and animals in the linked natural landscapes after the surrounding matrix has been converted for urban or agricultural use. Unfortunately, rather than assessing species’ demographic persistence or gene flow attributable to corridors, most research on the effectiveness of corridors has assessed species’ presence and movement along relatively short (< 150 m) corridors in landscapes where the matrix is not dominated by human land uses.

Little evidence that conservation corridors work

Thus, despite much research on corridors, there is little evidence that conservation corridors work. They describe a research project to determine if conservation corridors work and determine what conditions (such as width, severity of constrictions, or adjacent land uses) are associated with successful conservation corridors.

Because conservation corridors are too young for genetic and demographic effects to be evaluated, they:

will study landscapes with “de facto” conservation corridors (i.e., corridors > 500 m long, in a human-dominated matrix). In each landscape (n > 50),
will collect DNA samples from focal species in patches connected by corridors, isolated patches, and sampling locations within an intact natural area.

A corridor will be deemed successful if genetic distances between connected patches are smaller than genetic distances between isolated patches and similar to genetic distances between sampling sites in intact habitat. Focal species will vary among landscapes and may include any reptile, amphibian, mammal, flightless arthropod, or sedentary bird associated with the patches and corridors, but not the human-dominated matrix.

Do you know any good examples?

In each landscape, the configuration of patches and corridors must have been stable for at least 20-50 years, so that genetic structure is likely reflective of landscape pattern.

Paul and Andrew ask readers to suggest appropriate landscapes for this study.

LHNet signed the joint statement to Secure the Future of CMS

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:26:34 +0100

Nineteen non-governmental organisations, incluciing LHNet, undersigned the Joint Statement directed to the participants of the 10th CMS Conference of the Parties, November 2011, Norway. The action was based based on a initiative of the Migratory Wildlife Network.

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Ramsar and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are important international conventions that together provide the combination of strict protection for endangered migratory species and habitat, facilitation and coordination of species and transboundary research, restriction of trade, targeted conservation activities for species migrating across national boundaries, as well as the organization and conclusion of multilateral agreements for species with an unfavourable conservation status. This complete package is crucial for migratory species.

The position of CMS in the global conservation effort is vital, and it is imperative that we sufficiently support CMS in order to drive forward an agenda that is of the greatest importance to us all: download the Statement.

The bison returns to Danish wildlife

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:35 +0100

Four million Danish kroner for the reintroduction of European bison on Bornholm

The Villum Foundation has given 4 million Danish kroner to enable the Ministry of Environment to reintroduce the European bison in the forest Almindingen on the Danish island of Bornholm.

During 2012, a small herd of the European bison, also known as the Wisent, will be transported from Poland to the forest Almindingen on the Danish island of Bornholm. The seven bison will be part of a breeding program that aims to save the European bison from extinction.

The project has been on its way for several years and has now been made possible due to a generous donation by the Villum Foundation.

- This is exactly the type of projects that I hope we will see more of in the future. In cooperation with the private sector, we are able to do so much more for the environment – and we do several things right here. We are helping one of Europe’s most endangered species, we are testing new ways to create bright forests with open meadows, which will benefit many species, and I am quite certain that the bison will attract a lot of attention from both tourists and the people of Bornholm, says Minister of the Environment Ida Auken.

The last wild bison was shot in the Caucasus in 1927, but due to a successful breeding program based on 50 bison from European zoos, the population of bison is now reaching numbers between 2500 and 3000 animals.

- We hope that this donation will generate the right conditions in order to save the European bison from extinction. It is a very exciting project, which will contribute to promoting the natural historical conscience and interest of all visitors to Bornholm, says Chairman of the Villum Foundation Lars E. Kann-Rasmussen.

The seven bison – six cows and one bull – will be living the first five years in a fenced off area with fences stretching more than six kilometres. The area will be accessible through gates, which will ensure that the island’s traffic can pass easily through the area. As the bison is not in any way dangerous to humans, the public has full access to the forest.

- It is my hope that our bison will have a positive effect on the wild nature of Bornholm. I also hope that the project will help to attract many curious visitors as eco-tourism is becoming more and more popular. This will hopefully turn out to be a success for both the bison, nature and the people of Bornholm, says Minister of the Environment Ida Auken.

The bison will be inspected regularly by the Nature Agency assisted by veterinary authorities. Information about the bison’s effect on nature, outdoor recreation, and the animals’ wellbeing will be gathered. When the five-year project comes to an end, the people of Bornholm will get the opportunity to decide whether they want the bison to stay on Bornholm of if they prefer the breeding program to continue elsewhere.

Find more information about the European bison on the Nature Agency’s website.

Press release, 30th of November 2011, additional information:

Chief Forest Officer Søren Friese, the Nature Agency, phone: 3094 6237
Gaming Consultant Tommy Hansen, the Nature Agency, phone: 7254 3138
Biologist Erling Krabbe, the Nature Agency, phone: 2177 6927
Press Officer Signe Vestergaard, the Ministry of Environment, phone: 2250 9029

LHNet Library optimisation

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:29:33 +0100

The library has been updated, reorganized and optimized

Did you know LHNet has a library? LHNet is permanentely collecting articles, reports about LHNet related activities and started a video collection. The goal of this library is to provide a broad collection about large herbivores and other topic related materials in an easy accesible way. Feel free to contact LHNet and provide us with links or documents to add to the LHNet library.

How does it work?

Library items are now displayed at all related pages on LHNet’s website. In this way, you as a website visitor, can easily access library information from the species database, landscape database and on LHNet’s expert profile pages.

Try out this new feature by going to:

Library, articles
Species database, wisent
Landscape database, Caucasus
Expert profile page

Visit the website and enjoy the benefits of this optimization.

This image shows the library items displayed at the Wisent Database page.
By clicking on an item you can simply read it.

Fresh Efforts to Conserve Bukhara Deer

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:40:13 +0100

News item from the CMS/UNEP News center:

Fresh Efforts to Conserve Bukhara Deer and Other Endangered Species in Asia

Wed, Nov 23, 2011

Central Asia is one of the few regions with a largely coherent network of diverse ecosystems. Bactrian camels, Saiga antelopes and gazelles depend on these ecosystems, while preserving them at the same time.

Bergen/Norway, 23 November 2011 - Almost half a century ago, the Bukhara deer - a species endemic to Central Asia - disappeared from the forests along the Syrdarya river in Kazakhstan due to unsustainable agricultural practices, logging and shrub felling on river banks, overgrazing by livestock, and uncontrolled hunting.

This flagship species of Central Asia has since been reintroduced to Karatchingil in Kazakhstan and Badai-tugai in Uzbekistan thanks to the conservation efforts of Central Asian governments to protect the natural habitat, locally known as tugai forests, which are characterized by thickets of trees and grassy clearings interspersed with wetlands.

Click here to read the whole the item.

Click here to read more about the Bukhara deer.

bukhara deer calf from one of the projects

Pamir Argali in Tajikistan: Sustainable Hunting Stabilizes Population

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:59:39 +0100

Pamir Argali in Tajikistan: Sustainable Hunting Stabilizes Population

Recently published advertisements and infomercials on hunting of Pamir argali (also known as Marco Polo sheep or scientifically as Ovis ammon polii) made reference to Pamir argali numbers and hunting in Tajikistan. These publications have not always used reliable sources, correct population numbers and authoritative connected information.

The CIC Division Applied Science , in cooperation with local and international experts who monitor Pamir argali populations and control the annual hunting harvest in the country, takes therefore the opportunity to inform wild sheep enthusiasts, conservationists and mountain hunters of the actual situation in Tajikistan. For the hunting season 2011/2012 a total quota of 80 permits for Pamir argali was authorized by the Government of Tajikistan. All permits were allocated to the Association of Hunters of Tajikistan, an association of five large hunting concessionaires.

Efforts to organize trans-boundary cooperation on monitoring, protection, preservation of migration routes and hunting management are being worked on. It is hoped that listing of Pamir argali under the CMS will foster further cooperation amongst range states and contribute to the sustainable use of Pamir argali for the benefit of local people and the conservation of the species and its habitats.

The reinvestment of part of the hunting proceeds into conservation and their use for rural development together with the anti-poaching efforts of the hunting concessionaires have stabilized Pamir argali numbers and contributed to population growth. Further hunting bans would clearly be counterproductive as far as the future of these fabulous wild sheep is concerned. The CIC is supporting the ongoing efforts of the Pamir argali conservation partners in Tajikistan. Read the whole news item.

For more information on this species visit our website

Group of young male Argalis running on hillside

The World Wilderness Congress - WILD10

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:31:44 +0100

WILD10 confirmed: 2013 in Spain!

The 10th World Wilderness Congress (WILD10) will convene in Spain in October 2013, focusing on the global and European status of wilderness and human society.

The World Wilderness Congress, now the world’s longest running public conservation project and environmental forum, has humble beginnings. Ian Player and his Zulu mentor Magqubu Ntombela were sitting on the banks of the Imfolozi River in 1974. As a team, they had guided many small trips into the African wilderness. For 8 years they lead groups of 8 people at a time for 5 days on trail. The wilderness experience changes the lives of many participants forever.

Visit the website of the Wild Foundation for more information about WILD10 in Spain.

LHNet presents Eurasia's wildlife treasures

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:55:58 +0100

LHNet presents Eurasia’s wildlife treasures

In this series, LHNet will be highlighting some of the beautiful wildlife species in Eurasia published on our Facebook page.

Be dazzled by magnificent movies of the wildlife in their natural habitats, find out fun 'did you know' facts, view fascinating images, test your knowledge in quizzes, and much more.

Our first feature on Eurasia’s wildlife treasures is: Red Deer Sven goes mad!

Click here to see Red Deer Sven in action

In general Wisent and Red Deer are living side by side

Lynx dinner time, movie

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:33:44 +0100

The Lynx has returned to the 'kill site' were it left the remains of a hunted deer. Lynx partly bury their prey or cover it with leaves and other plant materials. They feed on it until they are full and keep returning until the deer is finished; this can take up to a week.

With use of special cameras scientists are able to capture moments of wildlife that otherwise would have remained hidden for us. Besides that the information is used for all kind of research projects.

Watch the short movie and see with your own eyes a Lynx feeding by night.

Go to the Species database to learn more about the Eurasian Lynx.

Eurasian male paw print

Bison world in Russia, movie

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:36:01 +0100

Bison world in Russia

The European bison or Wisent is a beautiful animal with a dark brown wooly coat, round but pointy horns and of impressive body size. People that are lucky to catch a glimpse of this beast, are reminded of ancient times, imagining enormous herds roaming the European wilderness.

This animal also belongs to the Russian home grounds, but suffered great loss of their population during the 20th Century. Several organizations, among them LHNet, are working hard to bring back this species to healthy numbers and return them to their territories.

One of our common main goals is to realize large self-dependent bison populations in Central- and Eastern Europe. Our Expert Taras Sipko has sent us a very nice documentary made by RT television about the unique experiment of Bison population restoration in the Russian wilderness.

Watch the documentary of 30 minutes about European bison that have been re-introduced in Russia.

Documentary by: Autonomous non-profit organization (ANO) “TV-Novosti”, Channel “RT TV” Moscow.

Finland: National Moose Management

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:49:10 +0100

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC ) reports:
the moose (Alces alces L.) is in many ways the most significant game species in Finland. The Finish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry draws up national management plans for several game animal species (wild forest reindeer, grey partridge, wolf, bear, lynx, wolverine, grey seal and Baltic ringed seal). The first of these, the Management Plan for the Wolf Population in Finland, was published on 28 December 2005.

Despite its recreational, intrinsic and even the high economic value, moose is an adverse animal to the society. In the recent past there has been an average of 1,500 car collisions with moose per annum with an average of 5 persons killed and 100-200 wounded. Also because of its feeding habits, moose causes damages worth millions to the forestry and agriculture every year. Read more.

Finnish decisions based on population management plans

The Finish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry draws up national management plans for several game animal species. The first of these, the Management Plan for the Wolf Population in Finland, was published on 28 December 2005.

These management plans aim to give more attention than before to the regional differences in game populations, impacts of the populations on the people living in the region, and views of the local residents concerning the special aspects relating to the game species. The management plans also outline necessary measures to be implemented both nationally and in specific regions.

The Finish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared management plans for the following species:

wild forest reindeer,
grey partridge,
wolf,
bear,
lynx,
wolverine,
grey seal
Baltic ringed seal

White Wilderness: Carpathian Wolf Watch - survey

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:27:28 +0100

In 2010 the Slovak Wildlife Society launched a ground-breaking project, that was commended by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as "Best New Trips for 2010". Two successful field seasons are completed and the project is due to run until 2014. If you're interested in carnivores, wildlands or reintroductions, you might like to hear about our "White Wilderness: Carpathian Wolf Watch" survey of wolves and lynx in the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia.

In 2010 some volunteers heard wolf howling directly from the accommodation and there were sightings of wolves during fieldwork; in 2011 we succeeded to film lynx at a fresh roe deer kill. The next survey will take place between 21st January and 10th February 2012. People can sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 weeks. The first two days of each week provide theory and practical training in how to recognise field signs of large carnivores and their prey, the use of equipment and collecting samples for dietary and genetic analyses. Following that are 4 days of fieldwork in small groups. Accommodation is in a locally-owned, family-run guesthouse in woodland on the edge of the Low Tatras National Park.

More details are available on the website of SWS - Slovak Wildlife Society, where you will also find information on how to book.