Animals on the Edge

Slovakia: Reducing human/carnivore conflict

Aims

The aim of the project is to reduce the occurrence of retributive killing of carnivores - primarily bears, wolves and lynx - in and around the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia.

Overview

Increased human development, particularly for tourism, in the Tatra Mountains region of Slovakia has resulted in a marked increase of carnivore encounters and conflicts with people. Additionally, people eeking a living out of the countryside, such as honey producers and livestock farmers, are seeing their livelihoods threatened by the presence of bears and other predators. These conflicts often result in retributive or so-called humane killing of the predator, often unnecessarily. Animals on the Edge is working with the Tatra Foundation and Tatra National Park (TANAP) to implement plans that will reduce carnivore/human conflict, provide non-lethal solutions to removing problem animals, and provide the necessary research that will enable sustainable development.

Future Actions

We have made proposals to the European Union and local businesses (via a Slovak government tax incentive) for the necessary funding to implement our proposal. We are currently awaiting their decisions.