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Wolf tracking tourism boosts conservation in Europe![]()
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In Italy’s Central Apennines, particularly in Abruzzo’s national parks, travellers can now join guided treks to track free-ranging wolves.![]()
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The region, a remote wilderness of limestone peaks and ancient beech forests, is home to one of the highest densities of wolf populations in Europe. As of 2022 the wolf population within Italy is estimated to be 3,307 individuals. These animals, once on the brink of extinction, have made a slow return thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.![]()
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From November to April, Wildlife Adventures offers three-day wolf-tracking trips in Abruzzo. Participants hike up to 10 kilometres daily, led by expert guides.![]()
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The trips is a total immersion in the world of the wolf, where visitors learn to identify paw prints, follow tracks and understand the predator’s habits—using methods employed by biologists and wildlife managers. Nights spent in mountain huts are often punctuated by the distant howling of wolves, a haunting reminder of their presence.![]()
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The activity emphasises the importance of responsible nature tourism in correcting misconceptions. Many participants come from urban areas and have only encountered wolves through negative media portrayals.![]()
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Beyond conservation, wolf-related tourism also brings tangible benefits to rural communities. It creates employment in guiding, hospitality, and the sale of local crafts and produce.![]()
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Other parts of Europe have also embraced wolf tourism. In Transylvania, Romania, there are tours in some of the continent’s healthiest forests, home to wolves, bears and lynx, all coexisting alongside traditional human activity. In Sweden, Much Better Adventures offers excursions into wolf territory, teaching about their role as a keystone species and ongoing conservation efforts. Meanwhile, Undiscovered Mountains in the French Alps takes participants into regions where wolves, once extinct, have returned naturally from Italy. Any evidence of wolf presence is shared with the national ‘wolf network’ to aid scientific monitoring.
Wolf tracking tourism boosts conservation
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Wildlife tourism centred around wolves is growing across Europe, with organisers highlighting its value for both conservation and rural revitalisation. Organisers say these wildlife experiences...
Ambler Road will affect declining caribou population in Northwest Alaska![]()
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Wolfwatcher note:![]()
....and then they would blame the wolves![]()
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The proposed Ambler Road is in the news after the Jan. 20 executive order issued by President Trump titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.” As a biologist from Northwest Alaska who has studied and observed the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, or WACH, for 36 years, I explain here why moving forward with the proposed road ignores caribou science and would harm subsistence users.![]()
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When more than 5% of this herd approached the Red Dog Road during fall migrations, tens of thousands of caribou were delayed up to two months while trying to cross it. Most caribou eventually crossed or bypassed the road and then increased their speed to reach their winter range. These actions adversely affected subsistence users: delayed movements caused caribou to reach hunting areas when ice conditions prevented hunters from accessing them and, for some communities, the herd arrived after bulls had become unpalatable due to rut.![]()
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Construction of the Ambler Road would begin a long, incremental process of industrial expansion in Northwest Alaska. Once the state invests $1 billion or more to construct this remote 211-mile road, there would be tremendous pressure to quickly permit as many mines as possible to maximize the state’s return on investment. More mines mean more infrastructure, a greater likelihood of caribou disturbance and range fragmentation, and increased impacts to subsistence users.![]()
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The WACH declined 67% from 2003 to 2023 for reasons not fully understood. To date, 2025, this herd has shown no indication of recovery. My observations of the WACH suggest that the higher frequency of winter icing events from rising temperatures is a contributing factor. Changes in vegetation are evident in Northwest Alaska that may also be contributing to this decline. The difficulties this herd would face from a major road — and multiple mines — in a migratory area and winter range could only further reduce the herd and affect subsistence users in Northwest Alaska.![]()
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Northwest Alaska would be greatly diminished without abundant wildlife, including caribou, roaming its lands.
Opinion: Ambler Road will affect declining caribou population in Northwest Alaska
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Decades of caribou research show the proposed road would disrupt migration, fragment habitat and harm food security in rural Alaska.NWC Business Office
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