met HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, the Austrian Center for Bear, Wolf, and Lynx , and experts from AGRIDEA Switzerland for an exchange of information and experience on the topic of large predators. The wolf currently poses the greatest challenge.
The first wolves appeared in Switzerland more than 20 years ago. Having long grappled with this problem, Switzerland has gained considerable experience in this area. With the increasing number of wolves, attacks on livestock have also risen. Switzerland aims to minimize the damage through fencing, livestock guardian dogs, and the removal of problem wolves.
In Austria, most wolves are roaming young lone wolves. There are currently three packs in Austria (Allentsteig, Guttenbrunn, and the border pack with Bavaria) and 16 in Switzerland. Both countries face the same problems with migrating wolves: their routes are unpredictable, and if the wolves encounter unprotected livestock (mostly sheep), attacks can occur.
The focus of the discussions was on preventing attacks by these animals, with all those involved agreeing: where attacks occur, livestock protection is necessary. This can be achieved with an electric fence, herding, or the use of livestock guardian dogs. Since Austrian law does not yet permit the use of livestock guardian dogs, fencing or herding will remain the only options for the time being. Pastures with existing fences should be upgraded to livestock protection fences as quickly as possible. On areas not yet protected, a fence should be erected according to the currently proposed standard. For alpine pastures, each individual area must be assessed to determine whether protection with a livestock protection fence is possible and advisable. At the same time, predators that are increasingly causing damage to livestock should be removed.
Valuable insights were gained from the exchange of experiences regarding electric fences. More and more suppliers are improving their fencing systems with regard to livestock protection, and new and better options are constantly emerging.
Switzerland already has extensive experience with livestock guardian dogs, as these dogs have been in use for some time. In Austria, the Austrian Center for Bear, Wolf, and Lynx is working on a suitable concept within a dedicated working group as part of the LIFEstockProtect project – the experiences from Switzerland will be incorporated into this work.
How livestock protection could work in Austria was demonstrated using two alpine pastures as examples. On the Grabneralm (Admont, Styria), a small flock of 28 sheep is kept on the cattle pasture until the end of July, after which they are moved to higher alpine pastures with free range and a night enclosure. The exact working time for fence construction, animal monitoring, pasture maintenance, and herding is recorded. The animals' well-being is assessed based on their weight gain.
The second alpine pasture is Hauser Kaibling, with its 720 sheep and targeted grazing management by shepherds. The constant herding of the sheep provides a basic level of protection.
During these two days, valuable information regarding livestock protection was exchanged. This kind of direct dialogue and mutual understanding fosters cooperation, from which all parties benefit. It certainly won't be the last meeting of its kind!
