Czech University of Life Sciences launches SmartSheep project to protect livestock from wolves

The Faculty of Tropical Agriculture at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague is partnering on the SmartSheep project, which received funding under the NAZV‑ZEMĚ II programme. The research aims to generate reliable data on which preventive measures—such as electric fencing and visual deterrent fladry—effectively reduce wolf attacks on farm animals.

The project combines field experiments, camera‑trap monitoring, telemetry, farmer surveys and non‑invasive genetic analysis of wolf DNA. Genetic profiling will identify individual wolves responsible for repeated attacks, providing crucial information for balanced conflict management between livestock owners and wildlife protection authorities as the wolf population in the Czech Republic has risen sharply in recent years.