White Wilderness Wolf Tracking

Program Description

Track lynx and wolves in the Tatra and Carpathian Mountains as you learn about these majestic wolves and how to read signs in nature as well as becoming an expert in the art of tracking. Volunteer in the middle of winter as you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to work with wildlife photographers, lynx and wolf researchers, and expert trackers in the depth of the wilderness.

Positions are available in 2015 and are 1 week to 3 weeks in January and February every year.

We welcome students, groups, and individuals.

This ground-breaking project was featured in the “25 Best New Trips for 2010” from National Geographic Adventure Magazine after a successful launch. The Slovak Wildlife Society has continued to pursue this important project.

Why is this necessary work?
There is a huge rift and dispute in the statistics of both wolves and lynxes in Slovakia. Numbers range from 150 to 2,000, which is a huge divide. We are seeking to find if these predators are becoming too numerous or hunted to extinction.

Local communities work with international volunteers along with hunters, landowners, foresters, and nature conservationists on the White Wilderness Project. Volunteers will collect DNA samples for analysis by tracking lynxes and wolves in order determine the animals populations and detect any shifts that might require intervention.

Highlights

Accommodation and food
Volunteers will reside in a completely renovated guesthouse that features modern amenities and showers. This house is located at the edge of Nízke Tatry (Low Tatras) National Park and surrounded by wooded areas. There is a common/dining room and each bedroom sleep 2 to 4 people. Field day meals are cooked dinners, packed lunches, and a buffet breakfast.

Getting to Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and that is our meeting point. You can look for airlines like RyanAir to fly here.

Climate
There is a lot of snow and low temperatures during January and February, the coldest months of the year. It might even get to -20 degree Celsius. With 9 hours of daylight each day, it is important to be prepared. You can bring winter sports clothing such as insulated ski gear, long underwear, scarves, gloves, hats, a down-filled waterproof outfit, and sturdy boots capable of walking on snow and ice.

Qualifications

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, snowshoes 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.

Volunteer Types

Conservation

What`s Included

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.

* 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 inquire for further details.