In a world where nature conservation and protection of the environment is needed more than ever, women are playing a key role. In this series of articles, we are shining a light on those women whose passion, courage and vision is bringing positive change and making a significant contribution to the conservation of nature in Europe.
Ira Topličanec

Dr. Ira Topličanec is an internationally acclaimed lynx researcher at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb. During the “LIFE Lynx” project encountered the cats at close range. This project, funded by the EU and supported by EuroNatur, has helped stabilise the endangered lynx population in the Dinaric Mountains and increase its genetic diversity.
Marija Šoškić Popović

For the past seven years, Marija Šoškić Popović, has been working for our Montenegrin partner organisation CZIP as an ornithologist responsible for bird monitoring and the ringing of birds. The data she collects makes an important contribution to preventing the destruction of important bird habitats in Montenegro. Marija has loved birds since her childhood and her other passion is wildlife photography.