CIC Project Spotlight: LECA

This spotlight is part of CIC’s ongoing series showcasing impactful projects that blend science, community, and conservation for a sustainable future.

Supporting Coexistence and Conservation of Carpathian Large Carnivores

The Carpathian Mountains, a vast and biodiverse wilderness, serve as a critical habitat for Europe’s most iconic predators: lynx, wolves, and bears. Due to habitat fragmentation and expanding settlements, these majestic species are increasingly crossing paths with human communities. The resulting challenges call for innovative solutions that harmonize conservation efforts with human coexistence.

The LECA Project (Supporting Coexistence and Conservation of Carpathian Large Carnivores), spearheaded by the Department of Forest Ecology at Mendel University in Brno, addresses this pressing issue. Funded by Interreg, LECA is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in the Carpathians. The project focuses on consistent wildlife monitoring, preventing human-wildlife conflict, and bolstering anti-poaching measures. By unifying methodologies across Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic, LECA sets a benchmark for transboundary conservation.

Bridging Science and Communities

Employing advanced tools such as camera traps and telemetry, LECA gathers real-time data to track the movements and behaviors of lynx, wolves, and bears. These insights inform conservation strategies that are both data-driven and ecologically sound. Beyond science, the project fosters collaboration with local stakeholders—ranging from biologists and foresters to hunting associations—ensuring that conservation efforts align with the needs and perspectives of the communities living alongside these predators.

CIC’s Role

As an associate partner, the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) amplifies the voices of hunting stakeholders, promoting sustainable use practices and the integration of traditional livelihoods into modern conservation frameworks. By fostering dialogue between hunters, policymakers, and conservationists, CIC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that wildlife conservation remains inclusive and effective.

Connecting Key Regions

The project’s activities are concentrated in critical transboundary areas, including the Tatras (Slovakia/Poland), East Carpathians (Slovakia/Poland/Ukraine), Slovak Karst and North Hungarian Mountains (Slovakia/Hungary), and Beskydy-Kysuce (Czech Republic/Slovakia). These corridors are vital for maintaining connectivity between large carnivore populations and serve as focal points for monitoring and conflict resolution.

A Vision for Coexistence

At its core, the LECA Project envisions a future where large carnivores and human communities coexist in harmony. Through rigorous monitoring, cross-border collaboration, and the active involvement of local stakeholders, LECA is turning this vision into a reality. The project’s work safeguards biodiversity and promotes coexistence as a cornerstone of sustainable development in the Carpathian region.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas Paulic
CIC Programme Officer
t.paulic@cic-wildlife.org