Grupo Lobo

Grupo Lobo works to protect the Iberian wolf (*Canis lupus signatus*) and its ecosystem. It's a Portuguese non-profit association and has been doing this work since 1985. Around 300 wolves survive in Portugal today, out of an estimated 2,000 across the Iberian Peninsula. The association's work is guided by Programa Signatus, a multidisciplinary programme set up in 1987. It follows four main lines of action: - Scientific research into wolf biology and the interactions between people and wolves. - Environmental education and awareness, in particular through activities at the Centro de Recuperação do Lobo-ibérico (CRLI). This rehabilitation centre was created in 1987 for wolves that can't live in the wild because of trapping, illegal captivity or transfer from other parks and zoos. - Practical conservation measures, including the Programa Cão de Gado. It promotes traditional Portuguese breeds of livestock guardian dog as an effective, non-lethal way to protect livestock and reduce conflict between wolves and livestock. - Advocacy for the legal, ecological and socioeconomic conditions needed for effective wolf conservation in Portugal. Grupo Lobo also takes part in international collaborations. These include support for the publication CDPnews (Carnivore Damage Prevention News) and for the LIFE LupiLynx project, which promotes socioecological coexistence with wolves and Iberian lynx in Beira Interior. The association is based at the Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. Its conservation, research and outreach work relies on public support, including IRS tax consignment from Portuguese citizens.