Working together to drive recovery of red deer in the Velebit Mountains

The recent release of red deer on multiple hunting concessions in the Velebit Mountains is powerful evidence of what can be achieved through a shared vision for nature restoration. Collaborative efforts between Rewilding Velebit and local hunting associations are fostering trust, strengthening partnerships, and laying the foundation for lasting change.

Red deer were released on a hunting concession in central Velebit.

Rewilding Velebit

Unite and run into the wilderness

In Croatia’s Velebit Mountains, collaboration with local hunting associations is crucial to expanding rewilding efforts. Rather than working in isolation, Rewilding Velebit We are working with partners to achieve a common goal: restoring the health of the red deer population in the Velebit Mountains. The release of 30 red deer at four hunting concessions since November will help increase abundance, restore genetic diversity and support the long-term health of wild nature.

As the Velebit Rewilding Team works to replace hunting with wildlife viewing in rewilding landscapes, they are encouraging surrounding hunting concessions to take a similar approach. All concessions that have recently released red deer have signed agreements that help build trust, share standards and best practice on issues such as poaching prevention and long-term wildlife management. All red deer hunting will be suspended until populations have a chance to recover.

“We partnered with Rewilding Velebit because we share common interests and goals,” says Damir Perković. croatian forestthe company manages a concession in central Velebit and released 10 deer there. “We all want to see good management and effective conservation leading to healthy wildlife populations. It’s good for nature and it’s good for people.”

From guns to cameras

Rewilding Velebit Work in and around areas velebit mountains Croatia is focused on transforming the management of five hunting concessions, totaling nearly 30,000 hectares. Here a novel and sustainable approach to wildlife management – based on wildlife observation rather than traditional hunting – is supporting progressive implementation Spectacular wildlife resurgence in area. supported by a More and more unique travel experiencesit also promotes the development of the emerging natural economy, benefit local communities. Many of these experiences can be booked wild placeRewilding Europe’s travel booking platform.

As hunting is deeply embedded in Croatian culture, productive collaboration with Velebit hunting communities is critical to expanding the impact and progress of rewilding efforts. result Survey released in 2025 The majority of hunters who discover the Velebit Mountains agree with many of the goals and perspectives of the Velebit Rewilding Team, which bodes well for the future.

Wildlife ranger Igor Blažević surveys wildlife from a lookout tower in the Velebit Mountains. — The Velebit Rewilding Team is working to replace hunting with wildlife viewing in the Velebit Mountain Rewilding Landscape and beyond.

Neil Aldridge

Towards wilder landscapes

Red deer numbers in the Velebit Mountains remain well below natural levels, largely due to historical overhunting. The Rewilding Velebit team has now overseen the release of several red deer – both in and around the rewilding landscape – and plans further releases in the future.

“Red deer used to be an important species in parts of the region but disappeared due to human pressure,” says Damir Ugarković, Velebit rewilding consultant and concession expert. “Their return will help increase biodiversity, protect genetic diversity, restore ecological balance, and revitalize food chains that support predators and scavengers.”

Many of the deer released by the Rewilding Velebit team are equipped with GPS collars. This will give the team insights into seasonal migration and habitat use and help improve wildlife management across the landscape.

The Rewilding Velebit team takes a closer look at the movement and abundance….

Neil Aldridge

Capture red deer and other wildlife with camera traps and GPS collars.

Nino Sarkic

Keep people healthy

In addition to the concession in central Velebit, the Rewilding Velebit team released red deer in Marković Rudine, Vrebac and Vrh Jlovi. These releases are guided by a strong commitment to sustainable deer management, ensuring the population continues to recover.

“We have a management plan that allows for culling, but we are currently taking minimal intervention measures because we have not yet reached the expected population targets,” said Mišo Zalović, who manages the Frebak concession. “I would certainly support further releases.”

“The release organized by Rewilding Velebit is a perfect fit for us,” adds Tome Baričević, who manages the Marković Rudine concession. “The release of red deer is definitely going to have an impact, not just in my area but on other hunting grounds. It’s clear that red deer numbers are increasing now, which is great because they were once so rare.”

Deer herding in the Velebit Mountains in winter 2025 — Hunting of red deer will cease on all concessions where red deer have been released until populations recover.

Rewilding Velebit

foundation for the future

As connections between Rewilding Velebit and local partners continue to deepen, they offer real hope for the future of rewilding Velebit Mountain – opening the door to greater species recovery, healthier ecosystems, and a renewed relationship between people and nature in this iconic landscape.

Sunset on the snowy landscape of Velebit Mountain — The growing connections between Velebit Rewilding and local partners offer hope for the future of rewilding in the Velebit Mountains.

Nino Sarkic

valuable support

Our work to rebuild Europe Rewilding the landscape Backed by a wide range of high-value partners. We would like to thank all our financial partners, particularly those who provided core funding – esp. Dutch Postcode Lottery, Ecological Restoration Fund, Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Scheme, Cartier advocates nature, Oak Foundation, environmental maintenance, WWF Netherlandsand Arcadia. Their long-term support plays a vital role in enabling us to achieve and expand our rewilding impact.