02.04.2025
Developing interaction between Luke and the large carnivore observers
Open project database
The joint YTYKE project (Developing cooperation between actors to improve the quality and coverage of large carnivore observation data) between the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the Finnish Wildlife Agency aims to strengthen cooperation between different actors in the production of large carnivore observation data. In particular, the project focuses on improving trust between Luke, which uses observations in its large predator population estimates, and the large carnivore observers (LCOs) who produce the data. The practical implementation of the work has been commissioned from Akordi. The project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.
In spring 2025, Akordi conducted an initial assessment, interviewing large carnivore observers, Luke’s large carnivore researchers, and experts from the Finnish Wildlife Agency. The interviews revealed a wide range of challenges, problems, factors affecting motivation, and suggestions for improvement.
Based on the interviews, we organized four regional workshops to map out the ideas of large carnivore observers for developing their activities, increasing the meaningfulness, and improving interaction between Luke and the observers. A total of more than 70 large carnivore observers, Luke’s large carnivore researchers, and experts from the Finnish Wildlife Agency gathered in Huittinen, Jyväskylä, Joensuu, and Rovaniemi to discuss ideas for increasing reciprocity.
The discussions highlighted the following needs, among others:
- Increasing information sharing and interaction
- Growing a common understanding of methods and models for processing observations
- Developing a joint review of national population estimates and local observations
- Ensuring the continuity of large carnivore observers activities
Based on the workshops, Akordi will propose ways to develop interaction between large carnivore observers and Luke. The results will be reviewed jointly in a webinar in November 2025.
Read more:
7.10.2025 Working together towards more meaningful activities of large carnivore observers
