Talk hosted in Pinhel focused on the Iberian wolf and lynx and the importance of livestock guarding dogs in promoting coexistence
On 14 August 2026, Pinhel hosted the talk ‘The Iberian wolf, the Iberian lynx and livestock guarding dogs’, a public event organised by the Municipality of Pinhel that took place in the South Tower of Pinhel Castle. This event was part of a collaboration that began in October 2024 with the exhibition of the Grupo Lobo photographic display dedicated to the Iberian wolf and lynx across the municipality's parishes. The exhibition “Looking at the Wolf and the Lynx” was on display for over 450 days and welcomed more than 1,000 visitors, including local school students. In addition to the photographs, visitors could access videos of the two species and listen to their vocalisations via QR codes. Many visitors left positive feedback, noting that they had gained a better understanding of the wolf and lynx and highlighting the value of the initiative.
The talk, led by Silvia Ribeiro from Grupo Lobo, naturally focused on the two key species of the LIFE Lupi Lynx project. The event brought together dozens of participants from both the municipality and other areas of the Beira Interior, and was attended by Municipal Councillor Carlos Alberto Videira dos Santos.
Participants were able to ask questions and deepen their knowledge of the Iberian wolf and lynx, covering topics such as bioecology, ecological roles, primary threats, conservation efforts, relationships with local communities, and associated cultural aspects. Data on the historical and current presence of both species were also presented, including findings from monitoring surveys conducted in 2024, the project's first year. There was also an opportunity to discuss livestock guarding dogs—their origins, selection, and training—as well as their behavior, how to act during encounters with them, and, of course, their essential role in protecting herds and promoting coexistence with predators.
At the end of the event, Rewilding Portugal, the project's coordinating entity, gave a brief presentation on LIFE Lupi Lynx and announced the selection of Pinhel as the project's first Ambassador Municipality, a designation that will be associated with a diverse set of activities taking place throughout October and November 2026.
