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Balkan Lynx Recovery Program in the Rugova Mountains of Kosovo

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Balkan Lynx Recovery Program in the Rugova Mountains of Kosovo

Intern with a leading NGO in Peja, Kosovo, dedicated to wildlife conservation, particularly the endangered Balkan Lynx. The organization also focuses on the protection of rivers and ecosystems, tourism promotion, alpinism, cycling, skiing, and snowshoeing. As an intern, you will be part of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Program (BLRP), contributing to the conservation targets of the Balkan lynx, its prey, and habitat.

Summary of the Project: Balkan Lynx Recovery Program (BLRP)

Conservation Targets:

  1. Balkan lynx

  2. Balkan lynx prey

  3. Balkan lynx habitat

Long-term Goals:

  • Establish a stable monitoring system for the Balkan lynx and its prey.

  • Enhance collaboration among stakeholders in focus areas.

  • Declaration and improvement of Protected Areas and habitat recovery.

Balkan Lynx Status:

  • Critically Endangered with an estimated population size of around 30 mature individuals.

  • Present in Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo.

  • Urgent conservation action needed to prevent extinction.

Human Dimensions Survey:

  • Conducted to understand local opinions, attitudes, presence, distribution, damage, and management of large carnivores.

  • Ongoing second survey (2023) includes Kosovo for the first time.

  • Aims for 400 questionnaires in each country, ensuring gender-balanced representation.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Program Support (40%):

  • Participate in concrete conservation activities and monitoring.

  • Contribute to the overall success of BLRP.

B. Project Research (35%):

  • Assist in project writing and grant writing.

  • Conduct research on applied ecology, protected lands conservation, species conservation, monitoring, climate change, and environmental education.

C. Administrative and Logistic Support (25%):

  • Assist in program and event preparations.

  • Edit and contribute to social media marketing, communications, and PR.

  • Prepare project documentation, meeting minutes, reports, survey evaluations, and data gathering.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Significant input into project activities, demonstrating initiative and application of knowledge.

  • High-level practical skills and valuable research experience in applied ecology and conservation.

  • Provide a set of recommendations for subsequent interns to ensure continuity of projects.

Supervision and Guidance:

  • Supervised by a Project Coordinator.

  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Projects Staff.

  • Periodic support, guidance, reflection, and evaluation provided throughout the internship.

Requirements:

  • Interest in wildlife conservation, applied ecology, and environmental education.

  • Strong research, writing, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Enthusiasm for conservation activities and the mission of the NGO.

  • Willingness to contribute to various aspects of the projects.

Interns will gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, ecological research, and community engagement, contributing to the long-term survival of the Balkan lynx population and the overall conservation goals of the NGO.

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