Go on an adventure in the heart of the Balkans, in Montenegro, on the trail of the lynx and the wildlife of the Prokletije National Park.
The scientific lynx-tracking trip in Montenegro takes place in the country's newest national park: Prokletije. You'll roam the Hajla mountains in the company of wildlife experts, following a rigorous scientific protocol. For twelve days, you'll travel through fabulous mountain landscapes in search of the various tracks of wild animals.
Your role in the scientific project on the tracks of the lynx
Every day, you are accompanied by a science educator who guides you through the Prokletije park. You'll set up photo traps in the best locations, and look for signs of animal presence such as droppings, hairs or footprints to enrich the database. During this expedition, you become an integral part of the research team. You will learn how to follow scientific protocols for tracking wild fauna, how to set photo traps, recognize faecal matter and footprints, follow tracks, etc. You will be trained in the use of equipment such as: photo traps, GPS, samples, binoculars, radio (walkie-talkie), hiking maps, etc.
The scientific project of the mission to Montenegro
On the trail of the lynx in Montenegro. The Balkan Lynx is considered "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List. In the 1990s, scientists thought it had disappeared. A decade later, however, research proved that a few individuals had survived. Today, there are around fifty of them in the Dinaric Alps.
In the heart of Prokletije Park
To get a precise idea of the presence of the lynx and the biodiversity of Prokletije National Park, it is necessary to carry out inventories of the flora and fauna. However, due to a lack of resources, those in charge cannot carry out all the inventories required to protect endangered species. This is why the NGO OSI has developed the expedition in the footsteps of the lynx. All the data collected during the expedition is entered into a database, which is shared with the Prokletije National Park and the Ministry of Sustainable Development.
Scientific trip dates and prices
- June 5 to June 16, 2024
- August 16 to August 27, 2024
Price: €3,250 with tax deductions up to 66%
Or €1,105 after tax deductions (66% in France)
Tax deductible *
The NGO partner Objectif Sciences international is recognized for the quality, usefulness, solidarity and educational nature of its stays and training courses dedicated to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The NGO operates on the donation-action principle. A person makes a donation and participates in an NGO action. Note that the person making the donation may be different from the person taking the action. As such, the cost of the training or scientific stay is tax-deductible up to 66% in France.
Conditions for taking part in the adventure
- An interest in nature conservation.
- Good physical condition. 4 to 6 hours' walking per day, sometimes with over 1000 meters of ascent and descent.
- Numerous stops for observations will make the walk go more smoothly.
- 12-day missions.
- Groups of 4 and 8 people.
- Accommodation in shepherd's houses, mountain huts and hotels.
The NGO partner
Partner NGO Objectif Sciences international has Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specializing in scientific trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for adults and minors. All OSI programs here