Research

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) has been increasingly recolonizing Austria, creating new requirements for monitoring, management, transboundary coordination and EU-compliant reporting. The PVAWolf project develops and tests an assessment methodology for evaluating the wolf's favourable conservation status (FCS) in Austria, following the approach proposed by Linnell & Boitani (2025) and in consultation with relevant national and international stakeholders. Building on the DaFNE LeKoWolf models and potentially incorporating connectivity information from WildCon, the project identifies and structures the monitoring data required for long-term population assessment and model-based projections. PVAWolf will not itself define a legally binding FCS, but will provide transparent, scenario-based evidence for MVP, FCS-relevant quantities, ecological carrying capacity and FCS-related management options. The core component is the derivation of ecological carrying capacity and the application of scenario-based population viability analyses to estimate a first minimum viable population for Austria, integrating demographic, genetic parameters, as well as data uncertainty. The project includes a risk plan and a detailed 16-month work plan with milestones and intermediate outputs. The project delivers evidence-based outputs to support national and transboundary wolf management, Habitats Directive reporting, and the development of a conflict-sensitive and adaptive management framework for Austria.

The Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is one of the most iconic species of the European alpine zone. As a highly specialized mountain ungulate, it is perfectly adapted to cold and rugged habitats through physiological and behavioral mechanisms. However, the impacts of climate change – including rising temperatures, altered vegetation, and increased predator pressure – are rapidly transforming its habitat. In response, chamois are shifting their ranges, showing increased use of forested areas, and suffering from lower survival and reproduction rates in traditional alpine zones. While populations in forested habitats show better condition and higher reproductive success, this creates new challenges such as forest damage and conflicts with forestry and reforestation efforts. The return of the wolf adds further stress by reshaping the behavioral ecology of the chamois. To address these complex dynamics, several research projects supported by the CIC are underway, e.g. in Austria, Italy, and Croatia. These projects assess habitat quality, spatial use, and physical condition using GPS tracking, camera traps, and baited scales. Their goal is to inform sustainable wildlife management strategies that ensure the future of the chamois as both a wildlife symbol and a game species. The CIC's commitment to "Conservation through Sustainable Use" reinforces the importance of evidence-based, cooperative approaches to wildlife conservation in the face of climate change.

Wildlife Ecological Spatial Planning (WÖRP) is a tool to facilitate integrated wildlife and habitat management on ecological, economic, and sociocultural grounds, while aligning the objectives of all affected stakeholders. WÖRP was first implemented in Vorarlberg 30 years ago and last evaluated in 2003. In line with the approach of dynamic management, there is now an urgent need for a renewed evaluation of WÖRP, especially given the significantly changed circumstances. The aim of this project therefore is to assess the current wildlife ecological situation in Vorarlberg and identify challenges for management over the next 10 years. As part of the project, the WÖRP will be revised to address these new circumstances. Key issues include red deer management, taking into account wildlife damage, feeding sites and wildlife health, as well as the administrative division of planning areas and wildlife management zones.