Activities

The first activity in the WILD-SM project is represented by a comprehensive inventory of wildlife species in the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border area. This foundational step established what species are present, their locations, and population structures. Wildlife specialists from both universities will work in extensive fieldwork using techniques such as direct observation, camera trapping, and analysis of biological traces. Standardized protocols will ensure data comparability across national boundaries for shared databases.

A crucial pillar of WILD-SM is the assessment of wildlife population health status and estimation of disease transmission risks at the wildlife-livestock-human interface. In cross-border rural regions, wildlife often shares habitats with domestic animals, creating potential pathways for diseases. Health assessments by ULST specialists involves collecting biological samples and evaluating physiological conditions. Teams will also assess environmental factors influencing disease risk, such as habitat degradation and human-wildlife contact levels.

The project will implement multiple initiatives including two Summer Schools for students and young researchers focused on wildlife conservation, information campaigns in local press, and workshops explaining the ecological importance of wildlife and disease transmission risks.