Project DinaRis, (full name “ Transboundary cooperation in research, conservation and management of the Dinaric lynx population” ), an INTERREG IIIA project was initiated by researchers from Slovenia and Croatia. The main goal of the project was to intensify already existing cooperation among researchers and facilitate future trans-boundary cooperation between managers and decision-makers in large carnivore conservation. Lynx, being the most endangered and the least known of the three large carnivores both countries share, seemed the most appropriate to start such cooperation. We can group the specific goals of the project into three interrelated categories: 1. Acquisition of knowledge important for lynx conservation: we have collected telemetry data from eight lynx and 11 prey species (roe and red deer) individuals, analyzed lynx diet and competition for food with other carnivores, started a genetic study on lynx tissue and noninvasive samples, completed a survey of public attitudes towards and knowledge about lynx among general public and hunters, prepared a habitat model for lynx and a population dynamics model. 2. Building of foundations for future joint management: the main focus was preparation of a proposal of a Joint Lynx Management Plan, with 50 representatives of 23 different organizations from both countries participating in the process. We will submit this proposal to decision-makers in both countries. The other important issue was harmonization and intensification of monitoring activities in both countries. For this purpose we developed an open, online monitoring database with a GIS interface and tested use of hair traps as a monitoring method. 3. Dissemination of knowledge and awareness raising: we have set up a comprehensive web page about lynx conservation, research and management – www.dinaris.org, produced a brochure about lynx in the northern Dinarics, produced an interactive exhibition “ Following lynx’ trails” , a 20-minutes documentary about the project “ Lynx in the Dinarics” , added informational panels about lynx on existing forest educational trails, organized a series of presentations for the public in the project area and communicated with the media on a regular basis. All produced materials were bilingual. The survey carried out during the last third of the project showed that on average over 50% of respondents were in some way familiar with the project (37% of general public and 63% of hunters).

Veterinarska medicina