The LSFRI "Silava" has concluded the contract for the delivery of 40 GPS collars, marking the next significant phase of the research project of Interreg Estonia-Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, A unified management system of the moose (Alces alces) population in the EstLat territory (MooseBelt).
The MooseBelt project aims to improve the status and vitality of moose populations while aligning management objectives and practices between Latvia and Estonia.
Moose telemetry data will provide detailed information on home range sizes, individual movement distances, and seasonal migrations, as well as allow assessment of the interconnection between the Latvian and Estonian populations.
The next and technically most complex phase of the Project involves the equipping moose with GPS collars. In each participating country, 20 animals will be fitted, resulting in movement and behavioral data for a total of 40 individuals in their natural environment.
The leading partner of the MooseBelt is the Institute of Natural Excellence, with collaborators including the Estonia University of Life Sciences, Latvian Hunters Association, Latvian Hunting Union, Estonian Hunters Society, and LSFRI "Silava".