Why are predators essential for a healthy ecosystem? Is it possible for these species to coexist with humans? What steps can be taken to avoid potential “conflicts of interest”? Answers to these questions were explored during the two-day workshop “Towards a shared landscape: people, lynx, wolves”, held on November 22–23, 2024, at the Transboundary Environmental Education Center in Zalesie, PL. The event was organized by Rewilding Oder Delta and Praca Przyrodnika Sp. z o.o.
Wildlife comeback
Large predators once thrived across the European continent, but their numbers have drastically declined over the centuries. Among these species, the lynx and the wolf were driven to near extinction in many European countries by the early 20th century. As key components of the ecosystem, lynx and wolves play a critical role in regulating herbivore populations and contributing to the creation of a diverse mosaic of habitats.
Thanks to rewilding initiatives – such as restoring natural processes, reintroducing species, and educational activities – these predators are gradually reclaiming their former territories. A vital part of these efforts involves dialogue between scientists, authorities, and local communities to ensure harmonious coexistence.
Left: A wolf in the Wkrzańska Forest | Right: Eurasian lynx
Sylwia Rylowska / Rewilding Oder Delta
Partnerships and knowledge exchange
As part of its long-term collaboration with the West Pomeranian Nature Society (ZTP), which supports the reintroduction of the lynx in the Oder Delta region, the Rewilding Oder Delta (ROD) team, alongside Praca Przyrodnika Sp. z o.o., organized the “Towards a shared landscape: humans, lynx, wolves” workshop. The two-day event provided valuable insights into the ecology of these animals and ways to reduce the risk of conflicts between wildlife and humans.
Krzysztof Adamczak, a representative of the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Szczecin, outlined step-by-step procedures for claiming compensation and offered guidance on resolving issues related to wolves. Meanwhile, Heiner Schumann from the Institute of Forest Ecosystems in Eberswalde shared preventive strategies implemented in Germany. These measures include advisory services on securing livestock enclosures to prevent predator access, as well as funding to support such efforts.
Left: The event was held with the support of local authorities and institutions | Right: Participants during the workshop
Sylwia Rylowska / Rewilding Oder Delta
Lynx in the landscape
The return of the lynx to northwestern Poland has been made possible by the ZTP’s initiatives since 2019. Since 2022, Rewilding Oder Delta has been a partner in these activities, currently working together on the goals of the EU-funded LIFE program, “Expanding the Range of the Lynx Population in Northern Poland .”
Lynx reintroduction was the focal point of the workshop’s second day. In West Pomerania, the favourable natural conditions including extensive forest cover, a patchwork landscape, good connectivity of ecological corridors, and prey availability facilitate the successful return of the species. The reintroduction efforts are supported by the close cooperation between partners and institutions like the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) and State Forests. Dr. Aleksandra Kraśkiewicz, representing ZTP, emphasized the importance of monitoring lynx using GPS collars: Tracking lynx provides us with abundant information about their behaviour and whether they approach human settlements to scavenge for easy food. This is key to minimizing conflicts.
Left: Dr Aleksandra Kraśkiewicz during the lecture | Right: Field training for ROD employees
Sylwia Rylowska / Rewilding Oder Delta | Neil Aldgridge / Rewilding Europe
Both ZTP and ROD are conducting training for field workers and forming intervention teams along the Polish-German border. These teams monitor lynx movements, capture individuals to assess their health and replace tracking collars, transport injured animals for treatment, and determine the future of problematic individuals.
More than just lectures
The workshop also featured multimedia presentations, such as “Wolves of the Wkrzańska Forest and Oder Valley”, showcasing images captured by Sylwia Rylowska, Fernando Schmidt, and Lech Jędras. Participants were treated to the stunning results of countless hours the photographers spent observing wolves in their natural habitat.
The event concluded with a guided forest walk, offering participants a chance to experience the diverse, post-glacial landscape. This provided an opportunity to exchange impressions, ask questions of the presenters, and establish valuable connections. Additionally, ZTP representatives demonstrated wildlife monitoring devices, giving attendees a glimpse into the daily work of field biologists.
Participants during a walk on the second day of the workshop under the theme “Towards a common landscape: people and lynx”
Sylwia Rylowska / Rewilding Oder Delta | Neil Aldgridge / Rewilding Europe
The road ahead
The event was met with enthusiasm from institutional representatives and local residents alike. It provided a wealth of knowledge, encouraged cross-border dialogue, and underscored the importance of large predators in maintaining ecological balance.
The workshop organizers and project partners plan to continue similar initiatives, furthering the understanding of rewilding and the shared landscape between people, lynxes, and wolves.
Organisers:
Partners:
Patrons:
- Honorary patronage: Wojewoda Zachodniopomorski
- Patronage: Regionalna Dyrekcja Ochrony Środowiska w Szczecinie
- Patronage: Starostwo Powiatowe w Policach
- Media patronage: Miesięcznik „Dzikie życie”
Translation from Polish: Agnieszka Soboń
Based on: “Ludzie, rysie, wilki – spotkanie edukacyjne w duchu rewilding” by Sylwia Bryniarska, Agnieszka Soboń
The workshop ‘Towards a common landscape: people and lynx’ was organised as part of the LIFE22-NAT-PL-LIFE LYNX PL LT DE project ‘Expanding the range of the lynx population in northern Poland’, co-financed by the European Commission.
