Helping wolves in Bulgaria

Wolf Study and Conservation Program

Balkan Wildlife Society, Bulgaria
Progress report
July - September 2005

The summer period was used for wolf study methods best suited to this time of the year. In July and August we had howling sessions to determine if the different wolf packs in the two study areas have reproduced this year and where the den areas are within their home ranges. The howling conducted in the two study areas this year proved again that wolves in Bulgaria are extremely shy and careful. We had only two responses, but not from a whole pack. Only one animal howled back both times. From this we could not say for sure that the howling animal had been alone while replying, but it is most probable.

In July and August we also conducted another study. Actually it was started in June and was mentioned in the previous report. This is the pellet count method for determination of ungulate density in the two study areas. In our case these are roe deer and the wild boar. We finished the field collection of data at the end of August and we still haven’t finished analyzing the results. When we have the results it will show us what the natural wolf prey availability actually is.

In this summer period we were also very busy with preparation work on the Large Carnivore Education Center. As a first step in the preparation of the educational material we had to start collecting all kind of information. We collected it by reviewing our own literature, literature in libraries and information on the internet concerning wolves, brown bear and lynx biology and ecology, etc. world wide. This digging about in all the literature and information was a major undertaking and we did it with the two objectives of a) being as accurate as possible with our information in the center exhibition and b) getting some more ideas from similar education centers in other countries.

Additionally, we sought out and contacted via the internet and other means, companies, which might make the material for us. We also started the actual design of the educational material itself and our LC center team (coordinator and assistant) had talks with the artists who are going to make all the designs for the center and the exhibition. We explained to them the information which is going to be included and together we discussed the way it is going to be presented and the kind of the materials which will need to be made for this purpose. The design of some of the material is now almost ready and we need to clarify exactly which company would be able to make them.

Our team is worrying a bit about the LC center building refurbishment. All the funds needed for equipping the center inside are available, but there is significant shortage of funds for the refurbishment of the building. This puts things in a bit of a mixed order because we are creating material which in the end, we would not be able to exhibit. At the moment the team is intensively searching for funds for the refurbishment work.

Prepared by:

Elena Tsingarska - Sedefcheva

27. 10. 2005

(In November 2005 the Anglian Wolf Society sent £10,000 to the Balkan Wildlife Society to assist with refurbishment costs. It is estimated that this is about half what will eventually be needed but this donation puts Balkani in a stronger position to secure other funding to complete the project. The money we sent them came from you, the visitors and members, the people reading this newsletter. Thank you for your support.)