Welcome to the wildlife of the Carpathians


Wolves & Bears in Transylvania CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION & HOLIDAYS

Did you know that more bears, wolves, and lynx live in Romania than anywhere else in Europe west of Russia?

BROWN BEAR Ursus arctos Extinct in the UK since the 10th Century. Virtually extinct in Western Europe (only 8-10 now left in France).		GREY WOLF Canus lupus Extinct in many European countries. Threatened in others. Only 25 left in Sweden and Norway.	LYNX Lynx lynx Extinct in many European countries. Threatened in others. 7000 remain in Europe, hunted in Norway
An estimated 5,500 Brown Bears live in Romania. Distributed throughout the mountains and their tracks may be found close to towns and villages		There are about 2,500 Wolves in Romania. They can be found in the entire Carpathian range.	There are about 1,000 Lynx in Romania. They can be found in the entire Carpathian range.


WOLVES AND BEARS IN TRANSYLVANIA Special Wildlife Adventures Please Contact us regarding tailor-made holidays in this region UPDATE The Large Carnivore Project research work has been completed in Romania and proposals to construct a Large Carnivore Education Centre in the Piatra Craiului Mountains have been made.

The Romanian Carpathians are home to the largest predator populations in Europe west of Russia. Although the area represents less than 2% of the European surface, brown bears number approximately 5,500 (that is about 50% of the total European population), wolves 2,500 (about 30%) and Lynx 1,500 (about 30%). Even though more than two thirds of the Romanian Carpathians are unspoiled forests, this mountain range is still inhabited by millions of people and used for livestock production, forestry, hunting, mushroom and berry picking. It is the only place in Europe where large carnivores live in fairly high densities and still are in close vicinity to humans. Their predatory behaviour, however, often creates conflicts with local economic activities such as livestock or hunting. For this reason, the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project has established the eco-tourism programme "Wolves and Bears in Transylvania" as a first step to make the conservation of these animals economically profitable for local people. The project is co-ordinated by the Munich Wildlife Society (WGM) with WWF assistance and in close co-operation with the State Forest Administration and the community of Zarnesti. It has been conducting research in a 3000 sq km area in the Piatra Craiului mountains.
The Carpathian Large Carnivore Project established the eco-tourism programme “Wolves and Bears in Transylvania” with the goal to create a model area for sustainable, large carnivore conservation. The programme should demonstrate to local communities that wolves, bears and lynx have an economic value and that they are not only a burden for livestock production but that they can be used to generate income The programme demonstrates to the participants how large carnivores live under natural conditions and how they can co-exist with humans in one of the most spectacular landscapes of eastern Europe. The adventure is centred in one of Europe’s largest ancient forests comprising beech, maple, sycamore, yew and spruce, which has survived intact as a consequence of the former communist regime. The Carpathian montains are home to the European “Big Five”: Grey Wolf, Brown Bear, Lynx, Wild Boar and Red Deer. In addition many rare species or birds and other wildlife inhabit this wonderful country. The Bucegi-Piatra Craiului National Park is also known for its diverse flora including the edelweiss, gentian and rhododendron species and an endemic dianthus. A team of experts will be on hand at all times to answer questions and give the best information about the Carpathian ecosystem and natural history in the area.

	>>>OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES IN ROMANIA
	>>>- Europe's Birdwatching Paradise - the DANUBE DELTA
	>>>- Birdwatching, Flora and tracking Bears >>>- with COUNT KALNOKY at Miclosoara