Updated web-based and mobile application for recording monitoring effort (tracking, camera trapping) that can be used for data collection in pilot areas and data export for already existing databases. IT application with a large carnivores’ distribution GIS layer for Carpathian pilot and reference areas to be included into the CCIBIS (Carpathian Integrated Biodiversity Information System) and LCIE (IUCN Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe expert group) distribution mapping.

The Thematic Guidance on Monitoring Large Carnivores provides a practical framework for harmonising the monitoring of wolves, lynx, and bears across the Carpathian region. Building on the experience of the LECA pilot actions, it recommends an integrated approach combining camera trapping, genetic sampling, GPS telemetry, snow tracking, mobile applications, centralised databases, and standardised validation procedures. The guidance supports comparable, science-based monitoring at local, national, and transboundary levels. The document emphasises that effective large carnivore conservation depends on long-term, harmonised monitoring, standardised data collection, secure data management, and continuous cross-border cooperation. By promoting common monitoring standards and evidence-based decision-making, the guidance strengthens the implementation of the Carpathian Convention and provides a transferable framework for conservation planning and population management across the region.

The guidance tackles illegal killing and poaching of large carnivores in the Carpathian region by strengthening prevention, investigation, prosecution, and cross-border cooperation. It highlights key species—brown bears, grey wolves, and Eurasian lynx—and notes that they remain threatened by poaching, poisoning, habitat pressure, and human–wildlife conflict. Major obstacles include weak forensic capacity, fragmented institutions, inconsistent laws, limited information sharing, and insufficient training and coordination. To address this, it promotes a coordinated, science-based, intelligence-led approach using improved forensic methods, centralised databases, better cross-border data exchange, harmonised legislation, and stronger institutional cooperation. It also stresses specialised training, data-driven hotspot identification, community involvement, and public awareness to improve enforcement and reduce tolerance for wildlife crime, ultimately supporting long-term conservation in the region.

The guidance addresses rising human–large carnivore conflicts in the Carpathians and wider Europe, which have increased alongside the successful recovery of species such as bears, wolves, and lynx. Developed under the LECA project, it supports coexistence by offering evidence-based, policy-oriented solutions that combine technical, financial, governance, and social measures to reduce conflict and improve acceptance in rural landscapes. It is structured around five pillars: conflict mapping, preventive tools (e.g., fencing, guarding dogs, waste management), integrated compensation and prevention funding, participatory governance, and awareness-raising. Key recommendations emphasise prevention-first policies, stable and integrated funding systems, stronger stakeholder platforms, improved monitoring and data use, and long-term institutional cooperation. Overall, it promotes an adaptive, multi-level approach showing that sustainable coexistence is achievable when ecological and social drivers of conflict are addressed together.

The document supports the International Action Plan on Large Carnivores in the Carpathians by translating LECA project results into practical steps for improving conservation and coordination across the region. It focuses on shared transboundary populations of brown bears, grey wolves, and Eurasian lynx, where effective conservation depends on harmonised monitoring, data sharing, and strong cross-border cooperation. Key priorities include standardised monitoring using methods such as genetic sampling, camera trapping, and telemetry, supported by common protocols and interoperable digital tools like central databases and GIS systems. It also emphasises maintaining ecological connectivity, improving human–carnivore coexistence through prevention-based conflict management, and strengthening enforcement against illegal killing via coordinated investigation and forensic systems. Overall, it shifts the Action Plan toward operational implementation with clear responsibilities, tools, and measurable outcomes to support long-term conservation.

The document focuses on the conservation and management of large carnivores in Central Europe, particularly across the Carpathian region, where wolves, lynx, and bears require coordinated, cross-border approaches due to ecological connectivity and shared populations. It highlights challenges arising from differing national legislation, monitoring systems, data-sharing practices, and stakeholder engagement, and presents the LECA project as a framework for improving coherence, cooperation, and institutional capacity across borders. It summarises strategies developed in four pilot areas (Beskydy–Kysuce, Tatras, Slovak Karst–North Hungarian Mountains, and the Eastern Carpathians), each reflecting diverse ecological and governance contexts. The document draws on implementation experience to provide recommendations for harmonised monitoring, conflict mitigation, and poaching prevention, while emphasising collaboration among protected areas, local communities, hunters, farmers, authorities, and law enforcement. Overall, it promotes an integrated, evidence-based model for scalable cross-border wildlife management in the Carpathians and beyond.

This document presents a coordinated European framework for the conservation and management of large carnivores, focusing on lynx, wolf and brown bear through three key pillars: harmonised monitoring, conflict prevention and poaching prevention. Building on the experience and cooperation of international partners within the LECA project, the recommendations aim to strengthen science-based decision-making, improve cross-border data sharing, support practical coexistence measures and enhance coordinated efforts to combat illegal activities affecting large carnivores. Designed for policymakers, public authorities, protected area managers, researchers and conservation practitioners, the recommendations provide guidance for harmonising approaches across European countries and supporting the implementation of international commitments, including within the Alpine and Carpathian Conventions. Through dissemination via stakeholder networks, policy platforms, conservation organisations and public authorities, the document promotes long-term cooperation and evidence-based approaches to ensure the effective protection of large carnivores and their coexistence with human activities across Europe.