The project
The “Report on the activity of wolf monitoring in the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola for the years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The monitoring carried out in 2023-2024 was part of the LIFE 18 NAT/IT/000972 WOLFALPS EU Project, which concluded in September 2024. The activity carried out in 2024-2025 was conducted within the AfterLIFE Programme, through which the partner bodies of the LIFE WOLFALPS EU Project committed to continuing some of the Project's actions for a further five years.
Genetic sampling
Thanks to the availability of funding provided by the LIFE WOLFALPS EU Project, intensive genetic sampling of the wolf population was carried out throughout the Italian Alpine region and the provincial territory during 2023-2024, which allowed us to provide a scientifically reliable estimate of the minimum number of packs and individuals present. The network of specifically trained detectors operating in the province, composed of personnel from the Carabinieri Forestali, Park Rangers and technical staff from the Management Body of the Protected Areas of Ossola and the Val Grande National Park, the Alpine Rescue of the Guardia di Finanza, Game Wardens from the Val Formazza Wildlife Company and volunteers from the CAI Large Carnivore Group, as well as technicians and hunters from the VCO1, VCO2 and VCO3 Alpine Districts, coordinated by the Regional Reference Centre for Large Carnivores, covered 1900 km of "transects" between November 2023 and April 2024 and activated over 70 camera traps that operated for almost 12000 nights.
The numbers in detail
This activity allowed us to collect 747 wolf presence data points and genetically sample 33 different individuals. Interpretation of the information identified eight packs and two pairs in the province (at least three of which cross-border or trans-provincial territory), for a minimum total of 49 wolves. For the first time, the presence of wolf-dog hybrids in the province was confirmed through genetic analysis. This hybrid is the alpha female of the pack located between the southern sector of the Vigezzo Valley and the Val Grande National Park, and two of her offspring. The monitoring conducted in 2024-2025 aimed to update the species' distribution area. The lack of funding for provincial-scale genetic analysis prevented a scientifically rigorous update of the estimate of the minimum number of packs and wolves present in the province.
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