Living with large carnivores
The European Union is home to several species of large carnivores: the brown bear, the wolf, the wolverine, the golden jackal and two species of lynx. Past human activities have led to a dramatic decline in their numbers and distribution in Europe, but thanks to conservation efforts as well as targeted policies, the situation is starting to turn.
The recovery of large carnivores in the EU contributes to the objectives of the European Green Deal’s EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, which aims to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. It developed thanks to existing nature laws such as the Habitats Directive that requires Member States to establish a system of strict protection, prohibiting namely deliberate killing, capture or disturbance of species in the wild, as well as the deterioration or destruction of their breeding sites or resting places.
In August 2024, the Nature Restoration Regulation entered into force, setting binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species. These measures should cover at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
Large carnivore populations across Europe
Large carnivores have made a remarkable comeback in parts of Europe during the last half-century, marking a notable success in conservation efforts. This revival has been facilitated by protective legislation, improved public perceptions, and enhancements to their habitats. Understanding the distribution and population sizes of these species across Europe is essential for informed decision-making related to their conservation and management.
Building on successful examples, European regions are now working together on reintroducing large predators to areas where they have disappeared from. An example of these efforts is a recent Interreg Europe peer review on the reintroduction of the lynx in the German State of Thuringia.
Large carnivores are vital to maintaining ecosystem health and balance, primarily by regulating herbivore populations like deer and rabbit. The presence of large predators has a positive effect on biodiversity, as they influence the presence and behaviour of the prey species. They regulate diseases, contribute to nutrient cycling and overall maintain ecosystem resilience.
The Slovenian approach
Despite their importance for the ecosystem’s health, there are also challenges that arise from the cohabitation between large carnivores and humans. Proper communication and stakeholder involvement are therefore crucial to ensure a peaceful sharing of natural space with these animals.
Slovenia has adopted an interesting approach to working with involved stakeholders, specifically hunters. This is described in a good practice from the Slovenian Forest Service, involved in the Interreg Europe ClBioGo project, which shows a shift in the management policy for prey species and preparation of new guidelines in consultation with stakeholders.
Slovenia has all three main large European carnivores: the bear, the wolf and the lynx.
Currently, Slovenia is home to around 1,000 bears and 120 wolves, both in favourable condition. However, Tilen Hvala from the Hunters Association of Slovenia explains, “the lynx had actually become extinct in Slovenia. After a reintroduction project in 1973, the population grew significantly, but started to decline again in early 2000 due to inbreeding. To address this, we have reintroduced the lynx in some parts of Slovenia and reinforced its population in other areas”.
Cooperation with the hunters
The Slovenian Forest Service (SFS) has developed guidelines for ungulate management in Slovenia that better account for the impact of lynx on ungulate populations. These guidelines are integrated into national hunting management plans and harmonized across the country to ensure a sustainable prey base for the established lynx population. The new management strategy should result in higher reproductive rates and an overall increase in the roe deer population, which is its main target species.
Hunters played an active role in adapting the hunting management plans, with particular attention given to prey species and they were consulted on regular basis, including numerous meetings and workshops. “We had a very strong communication campaign with the hunters, explaining the importance of lynx in the ecosystem. They were worried about the impact of lynx and wolf on ungulates, so we have shown them how many ungulates they catch per year and what is the hunting territory" says Hvala.
Prey species quotas were adjusted based on lynx presence, ensuring that the lynx had a sufficient food supply while fostering hunter tolerance towards the species. Hunters were also involved in lynx monitoring and in the introduction of new individuals into their hunting areas.
“It is important to note, that social acceptance is absolutely key in the protection of large carnivores. Working with humans is as important as working with animals in our job, and we need to have effective damage prevention in place”, emphasises Hvala. The carefully planned communication strategy has been essential in supporting the reintroduction and long-term sustainability of lynx populations and it is safe to say that it will stay essential in the years to come.