project
LA SALAMANDRE MAGAZINE - On the trail of a pack on probation
In Valais, a team made up of a biologist, the French-speaking director of the Groupe Loup Suisse and trained volunteers have been following “Arsene's pack” for the past two years. Their goal is to rehabilitate the wolf for the general public.
La Salamandre” magazine followed us for a day in the field in June 2024. We'd like to thank them for their interest in our project, as well as in the wolf and the Arsene's pack.
Arsene's pack - Story of a picture
Every wildlife photographer knows that every picture has its own story. Effort, expectation, surprise, failure, despair, joy, emotion - these are the ingredients that make up, in addition to the scenery or subject, every wildlife photo. Nature offers its intimacy sparingly, and only when it decides to do so. It is more often the wildlife that decides than the photographer, despite all his investment, patience, perseverance and passion. You're about to discover a fantastic, rare story that now sounds like a wink of fate. We'll keep it in our heart forever...
WOLF PACK - Together but not always !
Many people still think that a wolf pack spends its time together, or that the hunt is conducted with all members present. We're going to give you some explanation about two spexplain to you, very simply, two very important key points about packs at this time of year - summer and the education of cubs. We need to know and understand them because, as we see in the field and when political decisions are being made, the way a pack functions is still poorly understood and, in some cases, even ignored, so that we can shoot as quickly as possible, particularly when it comes to reactive and proactive control shots. Errors are common, especially when it comes to evaluating a pack. The most frequent problem is that interpretations aren't based on a compilation and in-depth analysis of all the data collected, with the benefit of hindsight and knowledge.
ARSENE'S PACK - Subadult choices
The period from the first signs of reproduction to whelping (February-May) can be a source of conflict within the pack. Hormones and personalities lead to significant tensions, as only the breeding pair reproduces in a pack. From then on, between jealousy, protection and aggression, certain hierarchical changes can occur but, above all, this can provoke departures among the sub-adults present. But do you know the different ways in which these individuals can reproduce ? We'll tell you all about it...
ARSENE'S PACK - News
In Switzerland, as you already know, the first phase of proactive regulation took place between December 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024. The Arsene's pack, along with 11 others (including 6 in Valais), was targeted for complete elimination. At the same time, 6 packs were to be shot internally, in order to remove young wolves from the year 2023 or sub-adults. And 5 other packs were also targeted by reactive regulation shots, for exceeding the quota for losses on livestock. Overall, 23 packs out of 32-35 were shot at in 2023. The result is serious, with 61 wolves shot over the year as a whole, including 38 during the two months of proactive regulation, of which 27 in Valais. Two packs were totally decimated, and at least 7 others lost a member of their breeding pair (a male in each case).
The ABC's of wolf regulation - Reactive
In view of current events in Switzerland, we are forced to explain the possible consequences of shooting within the pack we are following, as well as the others concerned by proactive regulation. It is necessary to understand that two types of regulation are currently in place in Switzerland, due to the Ordinance in test phase: reactive and proactive. We take a look at these two methods and the effects that shooting could have over the coming months and potentially years.
Arsene's pack - Actual situation
In Switzerland, the wolf situation has just taken a turn for the worse, with the presentation of the new Ordinance in September 2023. Unfortunately, this new ordinance is not based on scientific hindsight or knowledge of the consequences of intra-species shooting, nor on the impact on livestock. It shows a very negative image of Swiss policy, which has sent shockwaves through the Swiss population and many official bodies and organizations, including in Europe and around the world. Our country, accustomed to setting an example in its management and pragmatism, has, thanks to a few politicians, given way to an undignified and shocking situation.
Arsene's pack - Interspecific interaction
Some time ago, we were lucky enough to observe a highly instructive inter-species interaction. We're going to share that interesting experience with you. The video will follow shortly, in order to preserve the safety of the Arsene's pack, as we've already explained.
Arsene's pack - Discovery and revelation
We're back to tell you about our work and the discoveries we made during July and August 2023. These two months have been particulary intense, in many ways. Even if it's not over yet, we made the most exciting discovery we'd ever dreamed of in our first year in the field !
LOGBOOK - WEEK FOUR
We're back for more adventures...
LOGBOOK - WEEK TWO
Our wildlife adventures continue...
LOGBOOK - WEEK ONE
HERE WE GO !!! From now on, we'll be sharing our logbook with you, where you'll be able to read about our adventures, observations & encounters during our "scouting" days and peregrinations.
WOLF MISSION
So, what research are we conducting exactly? What financial means are being invested in our projects? What methods do we use to collect data so that you may peek into the lives of our wildlife?
Here, you’ll find more information about our work, our motivations, our accomplishments so far as well as our plans for the upcoming months and years.
