Světový šampion v boxu Zsolt Erdei v zápase za ochranu vlků

1.12.2014
BUDAPEŠŤ [WWF]

World boxing champion Zsolt Erdei will be the face of WWF Hungary national wolf protection programme carried out in cooperation with researchers at the Hungarian Aggtelek National Park Directorate. The two key players in conservation in Hungary will protect wolf habitats, raise awareness of illegal wolf shooting and do joint research. The Budakeszi Wildlife Park will also play an active role in the programme.

Once the world's most widely distributed mammal, the grey wolf has become extinct across much of its former range and its present distribution is much restricted. However, the Danube-Carpathian region is home to two-thirds of the European populations of large carnivores and wolves are among them.

Habitat fragmentation and illegal shootings pose extraordinary risks to wolves whose presence is essential for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Wolves regulate the numbers of herbivores like deer, roe deer and wild boar and thus help regenerate forest vegetation.

Wolves do not attack humans and, contrary to common beliefs, pets are also safe from them if there is a guarding dog and a suitable fence.

“Researchers have monitored the presence of large carnivores like the wolf in the area of the Aggtelek National Park (ANP) for decades. Recently, we began compiling a genetic database, which will help identify wolf individuals and possibly the families they belong to,” said Balazs Veress from the ANP park.

WWF Hungary has worked to protect wolves’ natural forest habitats for more than 20 years. Research and a campaign to raise awareness of illegal shooting will be the key components of the Wolf Conservation Programme.

"Although the wolf has been protected in Hungary since 1993 and illegal hunting could be punished by several years of imprisonment, the practice continues. Animals are still trophy hunted and it is very difficult to catch poachers in the act," said Fáth Akos, WWF Hungary director. “This is why we think it is important to draw supporters who will stand with us in the fight to protect wolves and their habitat."

World boxing champion Zsolt Erdei is the face of the wolf protection programme. "Protecting nature has been important for me since I was a child. I respect wildlife and I try to live sustainably every day. I raise my children in this spirit as well. I am happy to contribute to raising awareness of the need for wolf protection. As participants of WWF Hungary’s wolf-adoption campaign, we adopted a wolf ourselves and the room of my little daughter is now decorated with the plush toy we received as honorary foster parents," the boxer said.

Anyone can now join the wolf adoption initiative of WWF. Donors receive an honorary foster parent diploma and a plush wolf they can put under their Christmas tree as a symbol of their contribution to national forest preservation.

DISKUSE - KOMENTÁŘE: