The main results of the Livestock Guardian Dog Programme were presented at the 1st Innovation and Valorisation of Autochthonous Breeds Conference, held in Fundão from 22 to 23 February. These conference days, organised by the municipality of Fundão in collaboration with other entities, aimed to promote and publicise native breeds and the territory they occupy. Grupo Lobo's presentation focused particularly on the Serra da Estrela Dog breed, given its proximity to its homeland, and the results obtained in the LIFE MedWolf project, developed in the Beira Interior region. In addition to the comprehensive methodology used in assessing the effectiveness of the dogs – including their behaviour, the evolution of livestock losses, and breeder satisfaction – the important role of livestock guardian dogs was highlighted, facilitating coexistence between livestock production and the wolf, researchers/managers and the community. Several recommendations were also made (e.g. technical, legal, economic, sociocultural, and regarding dog selection and certification) that could be useful for enhancing native livestock guardian dog breeds, improving their conservation status, and improving wolf and grazing management.
