Abstract 140 – Sustainable management vs. bear conservation in Romania

Ovidiu Ionescu, Georgeta Ionescu, Mihai Fedorca, Marius Popa, Ramon Jurj, Ion
Mirea, Ancuta Fedorca

Romania has the largest population of brown bears in Europe and the Carpathians (more than
6700 individuals). The species is considered by low public good of national and international
interest, administered by Romanian Ministry (MMAP). The management of the species is
ensured by the managers and game keepers of the wildlife management areas. Till 2007 when
Romania became member of UE the bear was a game species. From 2007 under Habitat
Directive bears became totally protected. Till to 2016, Romania hunted a maximum of 500
bears/year (<7% of the population) Important conflicts and compensations were reported in 5-
7 counties. After 2016, preventing harvesting was prohibited, and conflict and compensation
increased and were reported in 23 counties out of 26 with bear. The number of traffic accidents
increased more than 10 times in the last 8 years. The value of the compensations increased
dramatically as well as the number of people attack by bears. In recent years, the acceptance of
coexistence with the bears has decreased at the national level. The rate of acceptance
decreased mainly in the counties which were considered an example of good management and
have a high bear density.