European Rewilding Network
ERN1404
Wolf & Bio
A wildlife watching enterprise
A group of observers watch for wolves in the mountains of Riaño at dawn.
Wolf observation tourism is becoming an important economic resource for the Riaño Mountains area (Castilla y León region). The Project aims to collect money from tourism to fund initiatives focused on improving the livestock management and reducing conflicts between wolves and humans.
Project:
Wolf & Bio
Region:
Riaño (North East of León, Castilla y León, Spain)
Type of protection:
Regional Park
Habitat types:
Oak and beech forest, heather lands, grasslands and rocky slopes.
Keystone species:
brown bear, Iberian wolf
Fauna (mega) species present:
Cantabrian chamois, wildcat, Cantabrian capercaillie, black and middle spotted woodpecker, wallcreeper, snowfinch
Aim and vision:
Reduce the conflict between livestock keepers, hunters and ecologists, advancing towards a technical management of the Wolf as an irreplaceable element of the ecosystem, necessary for the conservation of the natural processes in an ecosystemic view of the area.
Agreement of the managers of the Park and locals about the Wolf as an important element for the economic development of the Park through ecotourism. Regulation of hunting and population control taking note of the real value and significance of the Wolf for the local economy and the ecosystem.
Uniqueness of the project:
Private initiative combining business and conservationist approach and implicating the whole local community and the main sectors in the area.
Other activities:
Eco tourism, Recreational activities
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
Respect and understanding in the relations between Wolf observers, ecotourist companies, livestock keepers, hunters and managers of the natural areas and hunting reserves. Management of livestock taking Wolf presence into account. Management of the Wolf according to technical and scientific knowledge.
Results so far:
Spectacular increase in ecotourist activity in the Picos de Europa Regional Park from one year to the next. Change to an expectant attitude regarding the Project from local organisations, conservationists and government.
Inspirational value:
.
Experience you would like to share:
Results on using ecotourism private business as a way to reach conservation goals and change mentality about large carnivores.
Experience you would like to gain:
Resolution of conflicts that arise from ecotouristic use of the fauna with conservationist organisations and governments or managers of the natural areas.
Country
Spain
Start year
2014
Size (ha)
120760
Area type
Mountainous
Natural process
Natural grazing, Predation
Flagship species
Wolf
A group of observers watch for wolves in the mountains of Riaño at dawn.
Wolf observation tourism is becoming an important economic resource for the Riaño Mountains area (Castilla y León region). The Project aims to collect money from tourism to fund initiatives focused on improving the livestock management and reducing conflicts between wolves and humans.
Country
Spain
Start year
2014
Size (ha)
120760
Area type
Mountainous
Natural process
Natural grazing, Predation
Flagship species
Wolf
Specification
Project:
Wolf & Bio
Region:
Riaño (North East of León, Castilla y León, Spain)
Type of protection:
Regional Park
Habitat types:
Oak and beech forest, heather lands, grasslands and rocky slopes.
Keystone species:
brown bear, Iberian wolf
Fauna (mega) species present:
Cantabrian chamois, wildcat, Cantabrian capercaillie, black and middle spotted woodpecker, wallcreeper, snowfinch
Description
Aim and vision:
Reduce the conflict between livestock keepers, hunters and ecologists, advancing towards a technical management of the Wolf as an irreplaceable element of the ecosystem, necessary for the conservation of the natural processes in an ecosystemic view of the area.
Agreement of the managers of the Park and locals about the Wolf as an important element for the economic development of the Park through ecotourism. Regulation of hunting and population control taking note of the real value and significance of the Wolf for the local economy and the ecosystem.
Uniqueness of the project:
Private initiative combining business and conservationist approach and implicating the whole local community and the main sectors in the area.
Other activities:
Eco tourism, Recreational activities
Achievements
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
Respect and understanding in the relations between Wolf observers, ecotourist companies, livestock keepers, hunters and managers of the natural areas and hunting reserves. Management of livestock taking Wolf presence into account. Management of the Wolf according to technical and scientific knowledge.
Results so far:
Spectacular increase in ecotourist activity in the Picos de Europa Regional Park from one year to the next. Change to an expectant attitude regarding the Project from local organisations, conservationists and government.
Exchange
Inspirational value:
.
Experience you would like to share:
Results on using ecotourism private business as a way to reach conservation goals and change mentality about large carnivores.
Experience you would like to gain:
Resolution of conflicts that arise from ecotouristic use of the fauna with conservationist organisations and governments or managers of the natural areas.