Andorra Joins AI-Powered Cross-Border Project to Track Bears and Wolves in Pyrenees

**Andorra joins cross-border project to track bears and wolves in the Pyrenees using AI**

A new transfrontier initiative, LoupO Coexistence, has launched to enhance harmony between bears, wolves, and rural activities across the Pyrenees in France, Spain, and Andorra. The three-year programme focuses on monitoring and managing these large carnivore populations while assessing local attitudes toward them, all to support biodiversity conservation.

Funded by a total budget of €1,953,714.67, the project receives 65% of its financing from the European Union via the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra programme (POCTEFA 2021-2027). It builds on existing joint efforts to study the species, which have regained ground in the Pyrenees over recent decades.

The effort divides into three main areas. First, teams will track bear and wolf numbers with cutting-edge, non-invasive methods, including artificial intelligence for better individual identification, advanced genomics for pinpointing parentage and hybridisation, dietary analysis, and improved health monitoring.

Second, it aims to cut attacks on mountain livestock farming and beekeeping through proven prevention tools. Planned steps include expanding use of guard dogs, training shepherds, producing livestock management guides, testing acoustic deterrents during high predation risk, and refining attack assessment and conflict mediation processes to ease tensions with farmers.

Third, researchers will gauge public views on bears and wolves among Pyrenean communities via forums, experience-sharing sessions among stakeholders, and targeted surveys to measure acceptance levels.

The project coincides with recent sightings of three young male bears near Andorra's borders with neighbouring countries, confirmed by rangers as spring thaws reveal more activity in the area. Administrations, scientists, and organisations from the three nations will collaborate throughout the duration.