White Wilderness - Carpathian Wolf Watch Project

White Wilderness 2013: Carpathian Wolf Watch

Follow the tracks of Wolves and Lynx in the beautiful Tatra mountains in Slovakia. Learn about the art of tracking, reading signs in nature and also about the plight of the mythic wolf. A rare opportunity to spend time in deep wilderness with expert trackers, wolf and lynx researchers & wildlife photographers in the midst of winter, when the wilderness is white and the tracks are clear.

Following the successful launch of this ground-breaking project, which was featured among National Geographic Adventure Magazine's "25 Best New Trips for 2010", our partner, the Slovak Wildlife Society is continuing this vital work in 2013.

What is the work and why is it needed?
While some environmentalists claim that the annual winter hunting season leaves less than 150 wolves in Slovakia, official game statistics list more than 1,500: a huge difference! And it's a similar situation with lynx. Are predators being hunted towards extinction, as the environmentalists say, or becoming too numerous, as hunters claim? The dispute shows the clear need for reliable, objective methods to estimate numbers of predators.

The White Wilderness project brings together international volunteers and local people, nature conservationists, foresters, landowners and hunters. Under the close supervision of experienced project staff, volunteers track wolves and lynx and collect samples for DNA analysis, which will allow us to determine the minimum number of animals in the area as well as to detect changes which could require urgent intervention.

Study area
Lying between the Tatra National Park to the north and the Low Tatras National Park to the south, the spectacular region of Liptov is a real treat for lovers of nature and the outdoors. Around 50% is covered by forests, which reach up to 1500m (5000 feet) above sea level. Beyond that is a zone of dwarf pine and higher still are alpine meadows. In the winter, much of the wildlife, including carnivores and their prey, move to the foothills and valleys to avoid the deepest snow, and it is here that most of our fieldwork will be focussed.

2013 Dates

19th to 25th January
26th January to 1st February
2nd to 8th February

Costs *
For 1 week (6 nights): £790
For 2 weeks (13 nights): £1302
For 3 weeks (20 nights): £1686

* If you are a student or work for a recognised wildlife charity or not-for-profit organisation, we may be able to offer discounted rates. Please contact Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com for more details.

This price covers in-country travel to and around the research area and to/from the meeting point, accommodation, food, provision of equipment, training and the services of local researchers, helpers and the team leader, WorkingAbroad Projects backup and support. They do not include travel to/from Slovakia, extra costs if staying in Bratislava before pick up or after drop off, insurance or personal spending money. All participants must take out adequate medical and travel insurance.

Fitness requirements
No special skills (biological or otherwise) are required other than the ability to communicate in English. However, you should be prepared to walk 10–20 km per day in hilly to mountainous terrain, sometimes on steep slopes. In winter months, snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures are likely to be encountered. It is your responsibility to have your fitness and physical condition checked by a medical and dental professional prior to departure. If you have an existing or previous illness/disability, which could affect your mental or physical condition during the conservation programme you must consult your doctor about your suitability to join the conservation programme and inform us. On some routes, snow shoes may be required and will be provided. Don't worry if you haven't used them before, it's not difficult and you will be given instruction and time to practice. If you are a competent cross-country or alpine skier and have your own equipment, feel free to bring it along.

Accommodation and food
Groups will stay in a fully renovated guesthouse with showers and modern amenities, situated in wooded surroundings at the edge of Nízke Tatry (Low Tatras) National Park. The shared bedrooms sleep 2–4 people each and there is a dining/common room. Meals provided on field days will be: buffet breakfast, packed lunch, cooked dinner.

How to get to Bratislava
You will have to arrange to travel to Bratislava, which is the capital city of Slovakia, where the meeting point will be. RyanAir, the cheap fare airline flies to Bratislava from various parts of the UK - check www.ryanair.com for prices.

General information on Tatra National Park:
The National Park of Tatras (TANAP) in the north of Slovakia, was founded in 1949. It covers the high-mountain area of the Tatras and it is the unique protected area of flora and fauna among the tallest European high mountains situated east of the Alps. The TANAP contains mountain and high-mountain plants such as dwarf pine, pine woods and a wonderful flora. Rare animal species such as the eagle, bear, or marmot live there as well. The chamois is the symbol of Tatras. It is one of the most precious species, as it developed in isolation since the glacial age.

Climate

January and February are the coldest months of the year - expect lots of snow and temperatures potentially down to -20 degrees celsius. You will generally get about 9 hours of daylight a day. A detailed list of what to bring will be sent once you have booked - but just as an idea, you should bring sturdy boots for walking on the snow and ice, a down filled waterproof outfit, hat, gloves, and scarf (or scarves!). Long underwear is perfect to wear under clothing every day. For snow shoeing or nordic skiing, winter sports clothing is good such as insulated skiing gear.

How to get involved?

If you are interested in joining this project, you will need to fill out the online application form (you can also print it out and send it to us by post) – to secure a placement on the project, please complete and submit the form and your deposit of £295. If for some reason, your application is declined, we would reimburse this deposit fully. However for those who are accepted, the remaining balance needs to be paid 8 weeks before departure. Before departure, you will also receive detailed information on what you need to bring etc. We will also require you to complete a consent form once you are booked on the programme. If you apply as a family or as a group, please email me at Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com for specific details/procedures.

All photos copyright Slovak Wildlife Society and/or Pod Dobakom