Involving non-governmental org. in the process of changing the management policy for prey species
About this good practice
The aim was to prepare new guidelines for ungulate management planning in Slovenia, which would better incorporate the impact of lynx on ungulates. The guidelines will be implemented into the hunting management plans and will be harmonised for the whole of Slovenia. This will ensure that the established lynx population will have a sufficient prey base. The focus will be on the management of roe deer, as this is the main prey species of lynx in this part of Europe. As a consequence, the culling of adult roe deer is likely to be reduced, as this will lead to higher fecundity and an overall increase in the roe deer population. The most important stakeholder with whom we communicated on a daily basis are the hunters. In order to inform them about the current activities of the project and to get their feedback, a number of meetings and workshops were organised during the whole period. They have been actively involved in the whole process of adapting the hunting management plans, with a particular focus on prey species. Quotas of prey species were adjusted according to the presence of lynx, ensuring that lynx have sufficient food in their area, while at the same time achieving hunter tolerance towards lynx. They were involved in lynx monitoring and the introduction of new individuals into their hunting grounds. Carefully planned communication activities have enabled us to support the reintroduction and maintenance of lynx populations. Formation of policy lested whole time scale.
Resources needed
For that policy: 32.233,00 €
We involved different numbers of people who are experts from biology, hunting, forestry and it took 106 days to complete the activity. The resources also include travel costs and 4 workshops for hunters (room rental and refreshment).
Evidence of success
Guidelines addresses the main prey species of lynx and wolf, which is the main source of the conflict between lynx and hunters. Since the hunters were actively involved in managment plans preparation, we believed that besides regular communication this was one of the key activites for maintaing their high support for the species. Additionally, the guidelines will assist game managers in addressing the challenges brought by the presence of large predators in wildlife management.
Potential for learning or transfer
Since we used a stakeholder participatory approach from early beginning and involved them whole process of preparing guidelines, they were already harmonised and agreed before guidelines were put into practice. Therefore we ensured that these guidelines will be considered when preparing regional hunting management plans. The guidelines are a tool for planning the removal of wild ungulates and as such are integrated into long-term hunting management plans. In order to avoid excessive interference with ungulate populations by culling, the guidelines will serve as a guide for hunters and planners in adapting hunting and management plans in areas where large carnivores are regularly present, thereby ensuring an adequate prey base for the nutritional needs of lynx and wolves. The guidelines will also help hunting ground managers in dealing with the challenges posed by large carnivores in game management.
Further information
Documents
C.10_Upoštevanje-risa-in-volka-pri-upravljanju-parkljaste-divjadi.pdf
Website
Good practice owner
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