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Management of large carnivores in Croatia

All three species of native large carnivores still live in Croatia. There is about 400 European brown bears (Ursus arctos), 120 lynxes (Lynx lynx), and 50 wolves (Canis lupus). Medium sized carnivores that range in Croatia are: golden jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Canis vulpes), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides), river otter (Lutra lutra), European badger (Meles meles) and wild cat (Felis silvestris). One species of large predators is still classified as a game (bear) and the other two are protected (lynx and wolf). Bears are hunted (20-30 per year) during the hunting season (1 October - 31 April) from elevated blinds at baiting stations. The bear population was growing until early 1980s when it stabilized at present numbers. After extermination at the beginning of this century the lynx was reintroduced into Slovenia in 1973 from where it spread into Croatia 1974. Lynx is protected in Croatia by law since 1982 but since 1983 special permits have been issued to hunt an average of 12 animals per year. A total mortality of 151 lynxes was recorded till April 1996; 123 of them were hunted. After reintroduction the lynx population was rapidly growing but it seems to have stabilized in the last five years. Wolf has been an unprotected species until 1995 and under the unrestricted hunting the population rapidly declined from estimated 600-1000 animals in late 1960s to only 30-50 animals in 1994. Full legal protection was granted to wolves in May 1995. There are different threats for the long term survival of large predators in Croatia but with a sound management they may last well into the 21st century.

bear. wolf. lynx; management; Croatia

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