Mr. Željko Vuković, MSc, is a senior nature protection inspector in the Republic of Croatia, and one of the outcomes of his work is the confiscation of over 100,000 protected animals, both killed and alive. He recently shared his experiences at a workshop on combating poaching in the Livanjsko Polje region, held in Livno and attended by numerous representatives of institutions and hunting associations.
Q: You have been fighting against poaching in Croatia for a long time. How widespread is poaching, and how do you address this issue?
A: Yes, I have been working on this since 2001, and I can confidently say that poaching is significantly less widespread today compared to then. I am primarily referring to poaching of strictly protected species and the use of prohibited methods (such as using electric quail callers), rather than game animals, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Hunting Inspectorate. Regarding poaching of game animals, I cannot claim that the situation is much better than before. This is primarily due to the inadequate performance of gamekeeping services and the limited authority of gamekeepers.
Q: You have dealt with a significant number of cases involving the smuggling of protected species from or through Bosnia and Herzegovina. How do you assess the collaboration in such cases with the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A: In terms of collaboration with colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has been established, and we have had two joint meetings aimed at exchanging experiences. I believe that this has contributed to the further work of both our team and colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Yes, there is still a lot of space for improvement, and it should definitely be further improved.
Q: Local communities and hunting associations often resist the designation of certain areas for protection, as they believe that such protection limits their activities. What are your experiences?
A: Indeed, my experiences are in line with that. However, when protection of a specific area does come into effect – in our case, mostly through the declaration of the “Natura 2000” ecological network – the local population quickly realizes the benefits of such protection. Moreover, hunting associations have also recognized that there are no significant limitations on hunting activities. Of course, illegal hunting is prohibited both inside and outside such areas. In fact, numerous projects supported by the European Union have been beneficial for all stakeholders in such regions. Hunting activities are only prohibited in national parks and reserves, as was the case before joining the European Union.
Q: How do you combat poachers who hold positions of power or are on good terms with them?
A: By hiring independent and qualified personnel in conservation services, inspection services, the Police, and the judiciary. While this might seem like an impossible mission, even in the European Union member state of Croatia and especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is not yet a member, it remains the only path. In this sense, independent investigative journalism and professional non-governmental organizations can be of great assistance by exposing such cases and reporting on them.
Q: Hunters in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlight the use of thermal cameras as a major issue in poaching. Are these present in Croatia, and how do you address this concern?
A: In the Republic of Croatia, nighttime hunting is prohibited, and therefore the use of thermal cameras or thermal targeting devices in hunting is also prohibited. Their use constitutes a criminal offense.
Q: You participated in a workshop on combating poaching in Livno, where representatives of relevant institutions were present. Do you perceive them as interested in tackling this issue?
A: Yes, that was evident. I hope that practice will confirm this.
Q: Do environmental associations in Croatia contribute to raising awareness about the harmfulness of poaching, and how is their collaboration with institutions on this matter? How crucial is the role of the civil sector in solving this problem?
A: In the Republic of Croatia, the non-governmental organization BIOM leads the way in this regard. In my personal opinion, state institutions should engage more actively and frequently with such organizations and provide them with wholehearted support in their efforts.