The ARMex - 48 hour Expedition Challenge has established a program to protect some of Europe’s last truly wild large mammals. The race locations in Montenegro, and neighbouring Bosnia and Albania are home to the Dinaric Pindus Brown Bear, Wolf, Chamois, Wild Boar and Lynx. This is the last place in central Europe where all the ‘big 5’ species still co-exist in a truly wild state. But for how long?

The populations of these species are in decline; loss of habitat, legal and illegal hunting, roads and disease are all taking their toll. No one knows how many of these animals exist. There has not been a scientific survey of animal numbers in more than 30 years.

Protection is complicated by the movement of these mammals across national and park boundaries. What is needed is a tracking program to identify the number and location of these animals. To follow their movements and assess how sustainable the fragmented populations are. Then can steps be taken to save the species and conserve their habitats.

ARM have launched the Balkans Large Mammal Conservation Program with the assistance of Euronatur, the Montenegrin National Parks Service and the Montenegrin Society for the Protection and Preservation of Wildlife.

All profit from Race entry fees, donations and sponsorship will be used to fund the first scientific survey of Brown Bear Populations in Montenegro.