Poland to launch genetic research project for large predators

Poland is preparing to launch Project WATAHA, a comprehensive genetic research initiative aimed at monitoring large predator populations, including wolves, bears, and lynxes. The project, led by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOŚ), will utilize modern research methods such as collecting hair from hair traps, scat, urine, and blood samples to gather precise genetic data.

The project is valued at 4.7 million euros and will be funded entirely by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the state budget. It is being implemented in partnership with the General Directorate for Environmental Protection and the Norwegian organization Rovdata, a unit of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.

Fieldwork is expected to last 39 months, with bear hair collection scheduled between April and October, and lynx and wolf monitoring occurring from November to February. In a separate but related effort, the State Forests are conducting the “Predatory Border” project, a 1.4 million euro cross-border cooperation initiative focused on the integrated protection of large predators between Poland and Slovakia.