Wildlife Ecology

The coexistence of humans and wild animals is at an all-time high. While many people enjoy watching wild animals and since they play a vital role in hunting and ecotourism, human-wildlife interactions can also lead to conservation conflicts that come at a significant cost to society. The management of wildlife is a complex process due to their movement over large areas and each species' specific needs. 

At SLU Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, we are situated in the heart of a 130 km2 large research area that comprises of some protected but mainly managed forests, meadows, wetlands, and lakes. Our proximity to the animals we study, including deer (moose, roe deer, fallow deer and red deer), cranes, red fox, badger, wild boar, wolf, lynx, and wolverine, allows us to monitor their behavior closely. Besides our research in Sweden, we also collaborate with Norwegian and Finnish researchers on cross-border species. Additionally, we study snow leopards in Mongolia.

Wildlife, conservation and management

Our focus is on wildlife conservation and management, where we investigate and predict the impact of various management actions such as hunting strategies, and land use practices like forestry, agriculture, infrastructure, and ecotourism, on wildlife populations. Our research involves a deep understanding of species ecology, including their movement patterns in the landscape, factors influencing their habitat choice, how they affect their environment, diet, and variations in survival and reproduction over time and at different locations.

One example of our research is studying the complex interaction between wolves, moose, forest (which is the primary food source for moose), and humans (hunters and forestry). This understanding of the ecology of wildlife species is critical allowing informed management decisions that balance diverging objectives and reduce conservation and land-use conflicts.

We study the consequences of changing populations of large wild mammals and birds, such as swans, geese, and cranes, which have benefitted from conservation efforts, a warmer climate, and modernized agriculture. While it is positive that they have become less rare, it is problematic that they feed on our crops. Our research focuses on the impact of large grazing birds on biodiversity and how different methods of scaring or luring them away from fields work. We also study the behavior of wild boar, feeding on crops, to find ecologically sustainable solutions that are accepted by those affected in society.

In summary, we strive to find ecologically sustainable solutions to wildlife conservation and management issues by conducting research that considers the complex interplay between wildlife species and human activities, such as land use practices.

Population genetics of large carnivores

Population genetics plays a crucial role in preserving viable populations of large carnivores. At the Grimsö research station, a state-of-the-art molecular genetics laboratory is dedicated to studying the Scandinavian wolf population, which is one of the most well-documented animal populations in the world. Through our research, we have developed a comprehensive family tree (pedigree) and gained a good understanding of the challenges of inbreeding in the population. This genetic knowledge provides a crucial foundation for developing effective conservation strategies for these important predators.

Wildlife and traffic

The negative impact of infrastructure and traffic on wildlife and biodiversity is a growing concern, with wildlife accidents on roads and rails on the rise. These accidents not only cause immense suffering to animals but also result in significant costs for society. To mitigate this problem, our research focuses on developing effective countermeasures to reduce the impact of infrastructure and traffic on wildlife and biodiversity. We study how animals respond to and make use of mitigation measures such as fences, passages, and deterrents, and work closely with administrators to develop efficient and effective solutions.

One example of our research findings is the use of acoustic signals such as the human voice, which can induce a flight response in animals and be used to temporarily secure railways shortly before a train passes. This and other innovative approaches to separate animals and vehicles can help restore connectivity across infrastructure while simultaneously increasing traffic safety. By developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of infrastructure and traffic on wildlife and biodiversity, we can help ensure that future generations can enjoy a world rich in wildlife and biodiversity.

Invasive species – the raccoon dog

The raccoon dog, an invasive species originally from Asia, was introduced to the European parts of the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century to increase the availability of fur game. Today, this species is established in Finland and poses a serious threat to ground-nesting birds. Researchers at SLU have been involved in the raccoon dog project for many years and are investigating ways to effectively detect these animals using public observations, wildlife cameras, and animals with GPS transmitters. It is critical that the raccoon dog does not gain a foothold in Sweden, and our research aims to prevent this invasive species from spreading further.

One health-perspective

Our research also focuses on the transmission of pathogens between wildlife, livestock, and people from a One Health perspective. For instance, we have been studying roe deer in the Grimsö area and the Stockholm archipelago for several years, monitoring their health and the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. By understanding the complex interactions between wildlife and pathogens, we can develop effective strategies to reduce the risk of disease transmission between animals and humans.

Wildlife and politics

Another area of our research is the intersection of wildlife ecology and politics, particularly with regard to laws and regulations. We explore how legal instruments impact wild animal population dynamics and conversely, how ecological knowledge can inform litigation and policies. Our goal is to promote evidence-based decision-making and ensure that wildlife is effectively managed and conserved.