Volunteers and breeders have confirmed that the wolf “is not the devil” The experimentation of the Pasturs project in Monte Avic ends successfully
ISSOGNE. After 7 weeks of mountain pasture, the last volunteers who took part in the experimentation of the Pasturs Project in the Mont Avic Natural Park returned to the valley. To understand if a peaceful coexistence with the king of predators is possible: the wolf.
“The wolf is now a regular presence in our region – specify the owners of the project – This species is a precious component of our history and culture and an important part of the ecosystems in which it is present: for this reason it enjoys a high level of protection. European and Italian level “.
In the belief that an effective coexistence between large predators and livestock activities in the Alpine areas is really possible, 16 specially trained volunteers (from 18 to 45 years old) dedicated part of their time to help the farmers involved in the implementation of the measures. of damage prevention: electrified fences, batteries, protection dogs (often obtained thanks to regional funding) and active surveillance were the winning elements of this season. Thanks to the camera traps installed by the Natural Park it was possible to have evidence of the nocturnal passage of some wolf specimens near the Pra Oursie pasture, as well as a direct sighting at La Cerise in the early evening hours: the uncertain and foggy weather of the first weeks of experimentation required particular attention, especially in terms of surveillance and contextual annotation of livestock behavior, in order to better understand the behavioral dynamics of animals and prevent any predations.
“In addition to managing preventive measures – write the volunteers – we became part of the life of the families of the farmers who hosted us, helping them in everyday life and exchanging experiences, often establishing deep friendships and sharing the difficulties of life in pasture ».
«There are no timetables here, you follow the rhythm of the animals and their needs, which change from day to day. Fatigue often makes itself felt! ” explains a volunteer at Pra Oursie, who in his life deals with safety at work in the railway sector.
«My biggest difficulty? Keep calm when the cows get stuck! It is not so automatic to interface with animals that think in ways so deeply distant from ours “, a young Piedmontese literature teacher, who is also a volunteer at Pra Oursie, smiles. “On the other hand, it is nice to stay here: we were hosted by a family who immediately put us at ease and welcomed us warmly”. «We seem to have always been here – wrote the volunteers returning from the pastures – the effort is great, but sometimes we are even afraid of returning to my previous life. Difficulties take a back seat in this project ».
“It is an experience that enriches from all points of view – Alice folds, specializing in veterinary medicine from Veneto, volunteer at La Cerise – both from the human side (I pI am able to appreciate the exchange of ideas with a really motivated breeder, who has great passion and attention towards all animals), both from the professional side: I was able to get in touch with different species that I had never met in my course of study ».