The conservation of large carnivores represents a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a dataset on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), grey wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislations, supportive public opinion as well as a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can successfully share the same landscape.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 3996838Invited speakers P. Trontelj, I. Kos and B. Sket presented in the frame of the 'Darwin's year' (1) in the international conference Darwin’s Living Legacy (organised by British Council and Bibliotheca Alexandrina). (2) in the International Conference Bioscience and Society: Biodiversity - Diversity of Living Systems (in Ljubljana); (3) in the 'Biology evenings' (in Ljubljana).
B.04 Guest lecture
Members of the program group introduced conservation genetic methods to Slovenia and trained a team of researchers that use molecular techniques in conservation planning, population management and forensics of large carnivores and other wildlife. Results of initial studies provided the first independent and scientifically sound assessment of brown bear population densities and numbers in Slovenia. They are already being implemented in management of the species.
F.27 Contribution to preserving/protecting natural and cultural heritage
National Asembly of Slovenia adopted Resolution on the protection of the Carniolan honey bee on 6. March 2014, confirming the professional basis for the sustainable management of the indigenous population of the Carniolan bee. Member of the program Janko Božič participated in preparation of the materials for the resolution inside of the the working group assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture. In this context, other similar activities of prof. Božič are: - Member of the Board of the recognized honeybee breeding organizations, - a member of the Expert Council for beekeeping in the Ministry of Agriculture - Head of examiners for the Master Beekeepers in the Chamber of Craft of Slovenia, - occasionally participates in various working groups in the field of beekeeping, appointed by the Ministry for agriculture.
F.23 Development of new system-wide, normative and programme solutions, and methods
Group members are coeditors or editorial com. members of international journals and editors of local journals and proceedings of international symposia.
C.04 Editorial board of an international magazine