Presence as the key
Jérémie himself spent nights on sheep pastures, using thermal imaging devices to observe interactions between wolves and herds. “After a few nights, I quickly realized how exhausting this work can be,” he says. Together with others, he developed the idea of creating a volunteer network that could rotate through the night watches.
Today, hundreds of people are involved with OPPAL. They come from very different walks of life: students, retirees, nature enthusiasts, people from cities and mountain regions. What unites them is a willingness to take responsibility. “You know why you’re there — and you immediately see the impact your presence has,” says one volunteer.
No two nights are the same. Some remain calm, while others demand constant vigilance. Teams work in pairs, regularly patrol the pastures, and observe the animals. “With thermal imaging devices, you discover a completely new world. Even a quiet night suddenly becomes fascinating,” explains one volunteer. Darkness changes perception. “At night, you see less, but you rely much more on your other senses. You pay far closer attention to sounds and movements.”
The sense of responsibility becomes tangible. Every movement within the herd, every sound from the forest can become relevant. Communication and trust within the teams are essential. And sometimes situations change within seconds.
That is when powerful lamps come into play. Light is no longer only a tool for orientation — it becomes an operational tool. During so-called “scares,” targeted deterrence measures using light, sound, and movement are used to keep wolves at a distance.
