Wolf conservation

Location: Switzerland

OPPAL aims to improve cohabitation with the wolf by helping farmers in at-risk areas. Volunteers guard/watch the sheep herd at night to offer a concrete support to the breeders/shepherds.

Through this program, OPPAL wishes to make volunteers available on the mountain pastures. Extra "eyes" on the mountain pastures to prevent wolf attacks. This support is offered to the breeders and also allows an awareness on the functioning of the agriculture in Switzerland and the problematic generated by the presence of the predator.

By setting up this project, OPPAL wishes to offer the beginning of a solution which could favor the cohabitation with large predators, with respect for nature and the environment.

Why volunteer?

- You respect the environment
- You love the mountains and nature in general
- You are curious with an adventurous soul
- You are not afraid of harsh weather conditions (cold, heavy rainfall and storms, or even snow!)
- You are open-minded and interested in meeting new people from different backgrounds
- You are sensitive to the cause of the wolf and the cohabitation with large predators
- You are sensitive to the working conditions of the breeders and shepherds on the risky mountain pastures
- You are for the respect of the pastoral world
- You are for change and the implementation of concrete solutions

www.oppal.ch

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

You work at night to allow the shepherd to rest. You stay close to the herd throughout the night and make regular rounds to ensure a constant presence and activity on the mountain pasture.

Equipped with thermal imaging camera, you observe the surroundings of the herd to prevent a possible wolf attack. Powerful flashlights and whistles are available to scare off the wolf if it approaches the herd. The human presence is a great asset to dissuade the wolf from attacking, it is a fearful animal!

The volunteers are always in teams of two or more. This allows them to take turns for the surveillance rounds and to be able to rest when the other is working. The surveillance starts at sunset and ends at sunrise, so the number of working hours depends on the season.

The team speaks English, but we do not ensure that the volunteer with whom you will be doing the watches is bilingual, so a great capacity of adaptation is required.

You will have the opportunity to meet people from all backgrounds! This project encourages the cohabitation with the wolf but create also bridges between the pastoral and urban worlds.

You will be able to use quality tools that are difficult to afford, such as high-performance thermal camera. You will have the chance to see all kinds of animals like deer, hinds, foxes and maybe even wolves. Without any doubt, you will live an experience rich in emotions in often difficult conditions but in the idyllic landscape of the Swiss Alps.

LIVING ARRANGEMENT

The association covers several mountain pastures, the type of accommodation varies according to the mountain pastures.

1 Large tent - base camp
2 Small tents - night camp

or

1 Caravan - base camp
2 Small tents - night camp

We will provide the basic equipment on the camp (mattress, cooking stove, basic food, etc.). Additional information about the equipment will be given in detail at the registration.

Pets are not allowed. Some of the sheep flocks are guarded by dogs, and a pet would interfere with the work of the guard dogs.