The collection of DNA samples belonging to the SusiLIFE project was comprehensively successful in wolf areas this winter. Based on this, an even more accurate picture of the Finnish wolf population is obtained.
The wolf patrol, which has been operating in Eastern Finland for three years, resolving predator conflicts and preventing poachers, continues its work. The attitude of locals living in wolf areas is still sometimes negative.
According to Peura, who spoke at the information conference of the SusiLIFE project, more than nine out of ten meetings are still factual. Communication with local hunters has also improved considerably during the project.
– Even more after the fact, we get information that we have been asked why we have been in a certain area or why we are patrolling in a certain area.
The wolf patrol is part of the EU’s SusiLIFE project, which lasts six years and costs 5.5 million euros. Its aim is to prevent and monitor hunting crime, especially the illegal killing of large game. It also aims to resolve wolf conflicts and increase trust in the authorities.
The patrol includes a police officer and a Metsähallitus batch inspector who has received police training.
During the past year, 50 crimes or infractions came to light during the patrol’s supervision. The number included, among other things, a hunting crime and several hunting violations.
More large predator contact persons are needed
Monitoring of populations of large carnivores was also discussed at the SusiLIFE project briefing. In that key role are the volunteer large carnivore contact persons selected and trained by the Finnish Game Agency, of which there were 2,446 in the whole country last year. They check and record the carnivore sightings made by people.
In the 2000s, the number of recorded sightings has grown considerably with the increase in animal populations. The big beasts have also spread more widely in Finland.
Voluntary large carnivore contact persons are required to have an impartial and legal attitude towards, for example, large carnivores. This principle was tested a year ago in the winter, when in Lieksa it was revealed in connection with the criminal investigation that two predator associates had participated in anti-predator social media discussions.
The Finnish Game Agency dismissed the predator contact persons from their duties. However, no changes have been made to the selection of predator contact persons.
– We try to the best of our ability to find out about this matter, but as this case showed, we have not always been successful. Afterwards, these are always dealt with and we find out how to act, i.e. whether a notice is enough or whether a dismissal is necessary, says Lyly.
Volunteers collected samples
DNA samples are also used to monitor wolf populations. From them, it is possible to identify different wolf individuals and find out the boundaries of the packs’ territories.
The collection of samples during the winter season has ended this winter. A total of 1,146 samples were received. The number is higher than in the last collection, but still fell short of the nearly 1,500 samples in 2020–21.
Two thirds of the samples were collected by a total of 170 volunteers. Employees of the Finnish Natural Resources Agency and Finnish Game Agency collected the rest.
No samples have been obtained from golden jackals
Sample analysis is underway. A new, even more accurate analysis method is used. Results should be available in June.
The samples can be screened for possible canines and the golden jackal, which is a new arrival species in Finland.
This winter, one caught and euthanized individual of dog wolves was found in Tuupovaara, Joensuu, and a pack of several individuals was found in the Highlands of Southeast Finland. The upland pack currently has Finland’s only known canines.
– Cases of canine wolves are rare. With the current method, they can also be found out quickly, says Valtonen.
Information about wolf packs and their movements can also be obtained through GPS tracking, which is not currently done.
– There are some discussions going on, but no concrete decisions have been made about its continuation, says Samuli Heikkinen.