Special fluorescent vests with spikes for hunting dogs, which could prove life-saving during wolf attacks, are expected to be procured by the environmental organization “Callisto” as part of a European program.

This initiative is one of the actions of the LIFE Rhodope Vulture project, which focuses on reducing conflicts related to hunting — specifically, on minimizing the loss of hunting dogs due to wolf attacks.

The innovative initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the hunting associations of Orestiada and Stavroupoli, who are also partners in the program. Members of these associations are expected to receive the vests for their dogs, in order to test them in the field and prevent injuries during hunts.

“There are spikes on the vests, with a focus on the neck area, so that in case of a wolf attack, the wolf gets injured and flees,” explained Iason Banteos, communication officer of the environmental organization, to the Athens News Agency.

For the purposes of this initiative, Callisto member and forest expert (MSc) Vangelis Theodosiadis visited Croatia during a special event held as part of the European LIFE Wild Wolf project.

At the event in Split, 60 specialized vests were distributed to Croatian hunters for testing. This is the second batch of vests provided under the project and they will be tested in real conditions to assess their effectiveness.

“The hunting dog needs to be trained to wear it, but it’s a lightweight construction, and wherever it has been used, it has shown results,” added Mr. Banteos.

The LIFE Rhodope Vulture project, in which Callisto participates as a partner, aims to conserve the population of the endangered black vulture in the Balkans. It carries out actions to reduce the illegal use of poisoned baits — a long-standing threat to the species.