Large Carnivores are a source of emotion across Europe. While three species (wolf, bear and Eurasian lynx) are recovering part of the space they lost and may run into conflict with livestock, the Iberian lynx (endangered), Balkan lynx (critically endangered) and wolverine (vulnerable) remain under threat.

Activities on Large Carnivores have been going on for over 30 years under the Convention. A milestone was the adoption of five European Action Plans produced in collaboration with the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) in 1999, for wolf, Eurasian lynx, bear, Iberian lynx and wolverine. The Group of Experts works in tight collaboration with LCIE and promotes the implementation of the Action Plans at the national and European level, advocating for a new population-based approach adopted in 2008.

The Group held its last meeting on 24-26 May 2012.

(Photo credit: Valentino Mastrella)