Specific objectives
M.I.R.CO-Lupo aims to ensure better conditions for the conservation of wolves by acting upon stray and free-ranging dogs which pose three grave threats:
- The loss of the wolf’s genetic identity due to hybridisation with domestic dogs.
- Mortality caused by illegal hunting or use of poison, even when not aimed at wolves.
- The transmission of pathogens caused by the presence of unvaccinated strays.
The principle objectives of the project are:
- Neutralising the reproductive potential of wolf-dog hybrids and stray dogs present in the two National Parks.
- Strengthen control of illegal activities
- Reduce the sanitation risk of pathogen transmission from dogs to wolves
- Raise awareness of the threats stray dogs pose to wolf conservation.
- Create a national database on hybridisation.
- Develop a shared process for the management of hybrids at the local scale.
- Establish a system of control on the use of poison in the project area, via the transfer of knowledge from the LIFE ANTIDOTO project.