Wolf and Lynx at a Crossroads – NCN Grant for Dr. hab. Robert Mysłajek

06 08 2025

Dr. Robert Mysłajek from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Warsaw has received a grant from the National Science Centre (NCN) under the OPUS 28 competition for the project “Wolf and Lynx at a Crossroads – Interactions of Large Carnivores with Transport Infrastructure.” The project’s partner is the University of Gdańsk.

Transport infrastructure, such as roads, poses a serious threat to animal populations. Roads can block animal movement, forcing them to avoid these areas and increasing mortality. Over time, this reduces genetic diversity. Furthermore, limited connectivity between habitats makes it more difficult for animals to disperse or migrate.

In his research project, Dr. Mysłajek proposes field studies and genetic analyses to investigate how roads affect two species: the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Studying large carnivores is particularly important, as they are especially vulnerable to habitat loss due to their low population densities and extensive space requirements. Their responses often depend on individual factors such as age, sex, and social status. Previous studies have shown that both species can suffer from road collisions and that roads limit their movement and habitat use. However, it remains unclear whether roads constitute a significant barrier for large carnivores at the population level.

This research project will be the first in Poland to use modern techniques, such as genetic individual identification and telemetry, to understand the impact of roads on large carnivores. The findings will support wildlife conservation and management efforts and provide valuable data on the effects of roads on the genetic diversity of mammal populations.