Research

The Red Lists of endangered vertebrates were compiled 18 and 16 years ago. Since then, there have been changes in the taxonomic conditions, the basic population, the ecological conditions and the endangerment disposition of the species. Species that were thought to be extinct, such as the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), have been able to re-establish themselves. The endangerment situation of many species has also changed. New potential threats such as climate change, neobiota, etc. have emerged and are having an impact on species. Insect mortality has a direct impact on the numerous insectivorous vertebrate species and ecosystemic effects on the remaining species. The nomenclature of mammals, which was used as the basis for the 2005 work, is in need of updating. As part of a project by F&P Netzwerk Umwelt GmbH (engineering office for biology and landscape planning), the Red List of mammals (excluding bats) in Austria is now to be updated. This update will include a checklist of Austria's mammals according to the current taxonomic classification, an endangerment analysis and classification of the mammals occurring in Austria (excluding bats) in the IUCN endangerment categories. In addition, short species profiles are to be compiled for each species, outlining taxonomic conditions, ecological requirements, distribution, endangerment factors and conservation measures. Data on game species collected by F&P Netzwerk Umwelt GmbH will be evaluated in interviews and/or workshops with scientific researchers from the Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management (IWJ) at the BOKU University. The findings will be used to create checklists and the species profiles mentioned above. These checklists as well as the species profiles and any (final) reports will again be evaluated by researchers from IWJ, with a focus on game species.

The landscape ecological habitat potential describes the potential of an area to ensure the development of natural habitat structures for a species and thus serve as a habitat for this species. Such a model reflects the general suitability and colonization potential, irrespective of the current actual distribution. To date, various models exist for the suitability of wolf habitats in the entire Alpine region, but these are not based on current data from Austria. In this study, the conflict potential model will not be based on questionnaires but will be analyzed on the basis of economic data. The habitat potential model will aim to assess the suitability of areas for wolves, while the conflict potential model will use economic data to analyze potential conflicts. Both models will be based on current Austrian data and consider different scenarios (e.g., including conflict liability, compensation payments, and/​or herd protection measures). The availability of high-quality data is crucial for the accuracy and relevance of these models. The project will review the data base related to factors such as livestock production, herd protection, proximity to settlements, predation and other wolf biological parameters and integrate them into the models where available. The main research questions of this project include the determination of suitable habitats for wolves in Austria, the identification of conflict potentials from a socio-economic perspective and the identification of particularly affected areas in terms of habitat and conflict potential. This research project will provide valuable insights for nature conservation and the management of wolf populations in Austria.

Problem definition Across EU member states, large-carnivore management is becoming increasingly challenging as it attempts to prioritize both human safety and the conservation of wildlife populations. Striking this balance is crucial for ensuring a viable coexistence between humans and large carnivores. In the past, much effort has been given to mitigating negative impacts associated with large-carnivore management. This embodied preventive, but most often reactive measures to protect in the first line people's lives and goods and protect large carnivores from becoming killed. These solutions and plans have been established and implemented by (national/regional) authorities, conservation organizations, hunting associations and other diverse stakeholders, without the involvement of those actually affected – predominantly the local citizens/communities, especially including the rural, forest dependent communities, where women and young generation do not have a high share in the decisions of the patriarchal society. Even the general public barely has the possibility to be engaged in decision-making processes related to large carnivore management. The ever-changing head of environmental ministries and leading parties in Eastern European states (unstable political systems) are aggravating the situation/process by positions/policies with regard to conflict solutions that alternate frequently. Aims The general project objective of the project CERV-COEXISTENCE is to engage citizens in deliberations and actions related to brown bear management, in particular in human-wildlife conflict prevention and coexistence by empowering them to participate in decision-making processes and collaborative management, specifically targeting the youth, gender equality, and minority groups. The project specifically aligns with the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, (as a key component of the European Green Deal) which aims at conserving and restoring species and ecosystems.