The wolf is one of Europe’s most fascinating—and most misunderstood—wild animals. After decades of persecution and local extinction in many regions, wolves are now returning to parts of their former range. In Poland, too, the population has recovered over recent decades.
Despite this progress, wolves continue to face numerous challenges. Habitat fragmentation, transport infrastructure, social conflict and illegal killings threaten their long-term future. An estimated 150 wolves are illegally killed in Poland each year.
A sustainable future for wolves therefore depends on more than legal protection alone. It requires scientific knowledge, public acceptance and practical solutions for coexistence between people and wildlife.
Since 2011, SAVE has worked to protect wolves in Poland. Through long-term monitoring, research and environmental education, we lay the groundwork for informed conservation measures and a better understanding of this important species.
“Wolves have been hunted for as long as anyone can remember. Now they are reclaiming their ancestral habitats. Let’s help them!”
Population in Poland
Approx. 3,000
Threatened by:
Long-term wolf conservation requires both research and public education. SAVE therefore brings these two areas together through its Education for Conservation (E4C) approach.
Scientific monitoring provides valuable insights into changes in wolf populations. At the same time, our environmental education programmes, talks, workshops and information events foster an understanding of the wolf’s ecological role and ways for people and wolves to coexist with fewer conflicts.
SAVE studies wolf family groups using camera traps, track analysis, howl monitoring and GPS telemetry. The data collected helps us better understand their habitats, target conservation measures and document long-term changes within the population. SAVE also works with national and international research partners to develop new methods for wildlife conservation.
Public acceptance is essential to successful wolf conservation. SAVE therefore shares scientifically grounded knowledge about wolves through talks, workshops, school programmes and public events. Our aim is to challenge misconceptions, make facts accessible and raise awareness of the importance of large predators within functioning ecosystems.
Since 2011, SAVE has conducted long-term wolf monitoring in Poland’s Świętokrzyskie region. Its extensive forests provide important habitats for wolves and many other wildlife species.
By continuously monitoring several wolf family groups, we collect valuable data on territory sizes, movement patterns, reproduction and population trends. These findings inform scientific publications, conservation measures and environmental education programmes.
Today, the project is among Poland’s longest-running wolf monitoring programmes, providing important insights into the conservation of large predators in a landscape increasingly shaped by human activity.
Alongside traditional field monitoring, SAVE works with research partners to develop innovative methods for collecting and analysing data.
These include camera traps, GPS telemetry and AI-assisted approaches to wildlife data analysis. These technologies provide more precise insights into the behaviour, movements and population trends of wolves and other wildlife.
Long-term wolf conservation requires both research and public education. SAVE therefore brings these two areas together through its Education for Conservation (E4C) approach.
Scientific monitoring provides valuable insights into changes in wolf populations. At the same time, our environmental education programmes, talks, workshops and information events foster an understanding of the wolf’s ecological role and ways for people and wolves to coexist with fewer conflicts.
We recognise that acceptance of wolves remains low in some communities and that myths and misconceptions persist. Through talks and other educational activities, we help local communities adapt to the growing presence of wolves in their surroundings. We believe these efforts can improve wolves’ chances of survival in the long term.
Wolf families
monitored
Wolves
monitored
Study area
Every day of research, every camera trap, every GPS collar and every educational activity helps us better understand coexistence between people and wolves and reduce conflicts over the long term.
Your support helps sustain one of Poland’s most significant long-term wolf monitoring projects and makes science-based wildlife conservation possible.
