Guardians among the Peaks
Guardians among the Peaks is a project coordinated by Fattoria Piz, Lugano Region, WWF, Pro Natura, WSL and ZHAW. It was conceived as an information and awareness initiative about the presence of livestock guardian dogs, with particular focus on areas that see high numbers of hikers.
TamaroLema Crossing
The TamaroLema crossing is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular and panoramic ridge hikes. The route runs almost entirely along the border between Switzerland and Italy, offering 360° views from Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano and as far as the Alpine summits.
This area, however, is not only of tourist interest. For many generations local farmers have grazed these mountain pastures with cows, sheep, goats and horses, shaping the extraordinary landscape through which the trail runs and at the same time producing wholesome, healthy and sustainable food.
Alpe Montoia and guardian dogs
Flavia Anastasia and Mathis Waser of Fattoria Piz have been lovingly managing Alpe Montoia with their goats for many years. This year there is a new development: two livestock guardian dogs have joined the family. Their presence is essential so that the animals can continue to graze freely and safely, especially since wolves have returned to our mountains.
The project
Flavia and Mathis have left nothing to chance and have created the “Guardians among the Peaks” project, involving several institutions and organizations. The project aims to facilitate coexistence between farming and tourism in today’s environmental reality, informing the public and raising awareness about the correct behaviour to adopt when encountering flocks protected by dogs.
Our communication approach will work several fronts. We'll put up clear, friendly signage alongside the official trail markers to help everyone stay informed. And on weekends from early August through mid-September, members of our trained team will be out on the trails to welcome hikers personally and share a few tips prior to a likely encounter with a flock under protection.
Survey — Your opinion matters!
An online survey will also be set up so everyone can express their views on the subject. The results will be analysed by WSL in Cadenazzo (the Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape) and by ZHAW (the Zurich University of Applied Sciences), and will provide a snapshot of the current level of public acceptance of livestock guardian dogs, helping to identify where improvements can be made.
You can participate by scanning the QR code on the signs along the trail. The results will be published in January on this site.
How to behave around livestock guardian dogs
Planning: an interactive map showing the pasture areas where guardian dogs are active is available on the main Swiss map websites and related smartphone apps.
When approaching a flock: walk slowly; if you are on a bicycle, dismount and push it; keep away from the flock; if you cannot see the dogs, call out clearly to announce your presence.
If the dogs bark or run toward you: stay calm and still, giving them time to understand the situation; avoid staring directly into their eyes while keeping them in your general line of sight; move on slowly only when they have calmed down. Do not try to chase them away with gestures or by raising walking sticks.
If you are with your own dog: keep it on a leash and absolutely avoid crossing through the flock. Go around the livestock at a wide distance or wait until the way is clear.
If a dog does not stop barking: slowly retreat and look for an alternative route.
Please note that on the TamaroLema route the flock is managed by a shepherd who only moves the goats along the trail for the time necessary to cross it. If for any reason, despite the signage or the staff present on site, you do not feel comfortable approaching, wait and enjoy the fantastic panorama until the goats and dogs have moved on. It won’t take long!
Per unlteriori informazioni:
Partner del progetto
Si ringraziano gli sponsor: Lugano Region, Fattoria Piz, WWF, Pro Natura, Patriziato di Indemini, WSL, ZHAW, Gruppe Wolf Schweiz e molti altri.
