Since the 1990s, wolves have naturally returned to the Alps and expanded from the Western to the Central and Eastern ranges. Although protected under EU legislation, their recovery has been hindered by fragmented governance, illegal poisoning, habitat loss, and growing conflicts with livestock breeders. The absence of a unified management framework has made human–wolf coexistence increasingly difficult.
The LIFE WOLFALPS EU project responded by creating the first coordinated, Alpine-wide conservation approach, which strengthened cross-border cooperation, improved population monitoring, and promoted practical solutions for livestock protection and sustainable tourism.
Through education programmes and wide public engagement, the project reduced wolf mortality, improved public understanding, and influenced national policies.
