Join us for a learning experience dedicated to learning about one of our ecosystem's most fascinating predators: the wolf. The two-day course is open to all and requires no prerequisites. It's designed for those who want to transcend prejudices and build a solid, scientific, and up-to-date understanding of biology, ethology, and coexistence.
We will be in Lessinia (VR), hosted at the Contrada Larici facility, a welcoming environment ideal for alternating classroom time with fieldwork, immersed in the landscapes of the plateau. The course will begin with the scientific foundations: wolf biology and ethology, pack social structure, communication and survival strategies, and the ecological role this species plays within ecosystems. We will complement this content with a practical component, focusing on monitoring techniques, recognizing signs of presence, and interpreting the landscape. This will teach how to interpret tracks and clues and understand how habitat and territorial dynamics influence the movements and presence of individuals.
A specific focus will be on Lessinia and the recent history of the wolf's return, including through the multimedia project #LessiniaBolf, which retraces the events, perceptions, and challenges of coexistence in this area. We will conclude with a clear and concrete discussion on conflicts and coexistence, best practices to adopt to reduce critical issues, and effective communication and outreach, with a final reflection on ethics and respect for wildlife and natural environments.
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SUGGESTED STRUCTURES
23 and 24 May 2026
Open to all, without specific prerequisites
€ 130,00
€100,00 Members of I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf and AIGAE in good standing with their 2026 annual membership
PARTICIPANTS:
min. 10 – max 18
REGISTRATION CLOSES BY
15 days from the start date
AIGAE TRAINING CREDITS
YES – Recognized training credits: 5
INFORMATION
campi@iononhopauradellupo.it
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026
09:00 a.m. – Larici District
Introduction to the course
Lesson: Biology and ethology of the species
11 hours: 00
Coffee break
12 hours: 00
Transfer to the Quelle del Baito dairy and lunch featuring local products (offered to participants by Io non ho paura del lupo).
14 hours: 00
Meeting with local livestock farmers: is coexistence possible?
Conflicts with livestock activities
The importance of grazing for ecosystems
Role of breeders and shepherds in the territories
Problems and critical issues
16 hours: 00
Travel to the upper Lessinia for a short field trip and sunset wildlife observation post.
20 hours: 30
Closing of the day and (optional) convivial pizza (at participants' expense)
Sunday, May 24, 2026
09 hours: 00
A field trip to Alta Lessinia with the authors of the Lessinia Bolf project.
Environmental interpretation
Recognition of traces and signs of presence
Monitoring techniques
Packed lunch (everyone will have to provide their own)
17 hours: 00
Course closure
COURSE TRAINERS
Daniel Ecotti
Founding partner
President of Environmental Hiking Guide – Environmental Educator
AIGAE ER940
Francis Romito
Vice President/Communications Manager
Member of the Board of Directors
Simone Gabrielli
Member and volunteer
#LessiniaBolf
Gaetano Pimazzoni
Nature Photographer
Member and volunteer
#LessiniaBolf
It's recommended to bring a backpack, a water bottle (at least 1 liter), layered clothing appropriate for the season, hiking boots with treaded soles, and a waterproof or rain jacket. Also helpful, though not essential, are binoculars and a camera, a blanket to sit on, and a notebook. It's best to wear dark, unobtrusive clothing to reduce visibility.
Registered participants will receive further information and details about clothing and logistics by email.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The event will take place once the minimum number of participants is reached. It will continue even in the event of rain, except in exceptional weather conditions, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. A full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 60 days of the event start date or if the cancellation is due to reasons attributable to the organizers. Alternatively, the fee is non-refundable but can be used to pay for other I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf events.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.
The program may be subject to changes decided by the organizers due to contingencies and weather conditions.