Insufficient scientific evidence hinders large carnivore management in Romania

Human-wildlife conflicts are escalating due to growing competition for territory and resources. Romania hosts Europe's largest population of European brown bears ( Ursus arctos arctos ) and gray wolves ( Canis lupus ), both protected under the European Habitats Directive. However, expanding human development has intensified human-large carnivore interactions, making evidence-based conservation strategies essential for preventing conflicts and achieving coexistence. This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of large carnivore management effectiveness in Romania by (1) assessing the extent to which conservation actions enforced by the management plans of Romanian protected areas align with evidence-based conservation practices; (2) analyzing local communities' perceptions of national management actions targeting the European brown bear and gray wolf as outlined in the national action plans; and (3) exploring how interactions with large carnivores influence local communities' perceptions of the management actions implemented at the national level. Through analysis of management plans enforced in Romania, we found that most conservation strategies in protected area management plans do not align with national action plans for brown bear and wolf conservation, lack effectiveness testing, and have uncertain outcomes, thereby limiting coexistence efforts. Furthermore, a non-probabilistic survey of stakeholders revealed low tolerance levels toward large carnivores, particularly brown bears, and limited trust in authorities, especially among people living in areas with high large carnivore densities. Results indicate that evidence-based conservation actions, educational programs, and community engagement could reduce reliance on lethal control measures and foster coexistence. This study provides guidance for protected area administrators to prioritize effective actions while addressing local community needs.