Perspectives on predation and protection of grazing livestock
During the first DIGI Rangeland transnational workshop in Romania on predation and livestock protection, farmers from Slovenia, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain and Norway shared their experiences with predator pressure and the measures they use to safeguard grazing animals. Across these countries, the main predators include wolves (all countries), jackals (Slovenia, Croatia), foxes (Spain, Norway), bears, lynx, wolverines and eagles (Norway). In Spain, farmers also highlighted risks from wild boar, birds of prey and disease transmission from wildlife such as tuberculosis.
To reduce losses, farmers rely on a range of protection tools. Electric fencing is widely used in Slovenia, Switzerland and Croatia, although it is limited to smaller areas. Croatia also uses 'dog walls', while Spain combines permanent fencing, mastiff guardian dogs, cameras and information systems, and previously kept animals indoors at night. Norway faces challenge due to large unfenced rangeland areas with free roaming grazing livestock and multiple predator species; farmers there use early gathering from grazing areas if predation (particularly by wolverine), rely on support for predator control, and use GPS collars to detect attacks quickly.
Participants also discussed digital and emerging solutions. GPS collars help identify ongoing predation events and locate animals, though they require skills to interpret data and reliable connectivity. They do not prevent losses as such. Virtual fencing enables rotational grazing on common land and can create designated safe resting areas to reduce predation risk. Electric fencing and other physical barriers remain impractical for large landscapes.
Consequences of predation: reduced livestock numbers lead to less grazing, which accelerates bush encroachment and increases the risk of wildfires. It also affects biodiversity and rural livelihoods. In this way, predation affects not only farm viability but also landscape management and ecosystem resilience.
Additional information
The DIGI-Rangeland project brings together partners from 10 countries, coordinating national networks (France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland), and also disseminating its knowledge within the Balkan network with its Croatian partner. Consult our publications and documents on the project website: https://digirangeland.eu
DIGItal innovation and data technology network for RANGELAND livestock farming systems
Ongoing | 2025-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, United kingdom, Switzerland