ARCTUROS Environmental organization
ARCTUROS is a non-profit, non-governmental environmental organization (NGO) founded in 1992 that focuses on the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats in Greece and around the world.
The establishment of ARCTUROS was motivated by the constant need to solve the problem of bear and wolf imprisonment, which was a common occurrence at the time.
It was this need that prompted the development of ARCTUROS, a comprehensive action framework.
Since then, Arcturos has been committed to protecting biodiversity, working on wildlife research and management, developing a Reproduction and Redistribution program for Greek Sheepdog and operating three Information Centers in two different locations.
1) The Bear Information Center in Nymfaio mountain village
If you want to learn all about the brown bear, an educational and fun experience (guided tour) is designed by the Arcturos team and provided to visitors all year round in the ”Nikios School” – Bear Information Center at Nymfaio.
The Bear Information Center is open on the weekends from 10 am – 4.30 pm. Guided tours start every hour sharp and the last one at 4.30 pm.
Contact number: +302386041500
2) The Bear Protection Center in Nymfaio
Two kilometres away from the Bear Information Center and a 20-minute walk through Nymfaio and a beech tree forest footpath, you will reach The Bear Protection Center in Nymfaio.
Here you will have the chance to learn about the bears who live in this protected area, as well as other important biological and historical information.
The Bear Information Center operates from March until December and is open every day (except for Wednesdays) from 10 am – 4.30 pm. Guided tours start every hour sharp and the last one at 4.30 pm. Contact number +302386041500.
3) The Wolf & Lynx Protection Center in Agrapidies
The Wolf & Lynx Protection Center was created to extinguish the phenomenon of illegal wolf possession.
Fourteen wolves and three lynxes were rescued and live in this 70,000 m2 protected area.
The Wolf & Lynx Conservation Area is open all year round, every day (except for Wednesdays) from 10 am – 4.30 pm. Guided tours start every hour sharp and the last one at 4.30 pm.
Contact number +302386041500.
In 2022 Arcturos turns 30 years old!
Arcturos prioritizes scientific research as well as environmental education and raising public awareness on issues such as biodiversity and viability while applying political pressure based on comprehensive programs and solutions.
Arcturos has been breeding and donating Greek Shepherd puppies for over 20 years to stock-breeders to prevent possible damages caused by bears or wolves in the area of Florina.
In 2021, 76 puppies were delivered to breeders from ARCTUROS. At the moment there are 16 dogs in the Breeding Center.
Since 2005 Arcturos established and maintains the National Bear Register, which collects bear DNA samples (hair) from special hair traps placed on utility poles.
Moreover, Arcturos takes part in the Mediterranean program to combat the use of illegal and poisonous baits and collaborates with institutions from all over the world.
Each year, Arcturos develops new activities that support and promote wildlife protection like forest cleaning, environmental sensitization activities with students/children in schools and institutions, and public awareness events throughout Greece.
Volunteering opportunities in Arcturus
Volunteerism is very important for Arcturos and the organization coordinates regularly volunteer exchange programs in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Youth and the European Voluntary Service EVS.
If you are interested in volunteering at the bear, wolf & lynx protection center it is possible!
You can support Arcturos actions by: Assisting visitors, helping with the maintenance of forest paths, be part of the caregivers team of the bear, wolf, lynx, and Greek shepherd protection centres.
More information about the volunteering and volunteer exchange opportunities here!
Adopt a bear, wolf, or Greek Shepherd
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