Research

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.

This project harnesses expertise and experience of EKLIPSE MEG members to develop best practice guidance for methods and bundles of methods to address a range of contemporary environmental challenges at the science policy interface. Building upon an established method typology (literature- or data-based; participatory; decision support; policy evaluation; futures and narrative), 10 selected tools will be identified through a combination of rapid evidence review, expert opinion, and AI-assisted analysis. Artificial intelligence will support the rapid review by identifying patterns, and extracting insights from large volumes of literature and policy documentation. Using an applied policy Delphi over 4 rounds the final methods will be prioritised, with AI-enabled data analysis used to support the synthesis of expert input and detect emerging consensus or divergence, from which best practice guidance will be drafted and validated. Recognizing that tools are rarely used in isolation, we will devise guidance on selecting combinations of tools and associated process pathways, with the help of AI-supported decision frameworks, to tackle diverse environmental challenges. The approved single and bundled guidance will then be tested using past and present EKLIPSE requests, together with one urgent request from BioAgora's Science Service for Biodiversity. The Delphi process will involve the creation of a methods knowledge exchange network from the outset, with an AI-powered platform envisioned to facilitate dynamic knowledge sharing forming a key component of the project legacy.