Hnutí Duha seeks volunteers for large carnivore monitoring

Hnutí Duha is recruiting volunteers for its Wolf and Lynx Patrols, which have been operating for nearly 25 years. To support this initiative, the organization is hosting six weekend seminars across the Czech Republic this autumn to train participants in monitoring large carnivores.

The training program combines theoretical lectures on ecology and conservation with practical field exercises. Participants will learn to identify and document signs of wolves, lynx, wildcats, and bears, including tracks, scat, fur, and prey remains. They will also learn how to collect samples for genetic and nutritional analysis.

The first seminar is scheduled for October 9–11 in the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory). Other sessions will be held throughout the country, though some locations, such as the Beskydy mountains, are already fully booked. The seminars are open to individuals aged 15 and older. The data collected by volunteers is vital for large-scale monitoring, covering vast areas that professional staff cannot reach, and helps identify illegal activities such as the use of meat baits.