What is common in brown bear, lynx, wolf, ibex, chamois and white-tailed eagle? They are all wilderness-related species and are in focus of the new publication prepared by the PAN Parks Foundation: last of the wild - OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS AND MONITORING OF SOME WILDERNESS RELATED SPECIES IN THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK. Through the presentation of the current status of a selected group of wilderness-related species in Europe, this publication aims at highlighting the importance of large, undisturbed wilderness areas, found in Natura 2000 sites, and the protection of Europe's remaining wildlife.

By providing a description of the management and monitoring practices of various protected areas, with regards to chamois, ibex, brown bears, lynx, wolves and white-tailed eagles, we aim to argue for the need for a non-intervention management approach that will ensure healthy and stable populations of these – and other – important wilderness species. In addition, we hope that the present selection of monitoring experience will serve as inspiration to many nature conservation professionals in their handling of wilderness habitats and species around Europe.

 Conclusions of the publication highlight that is essential that we take steps towards the creation and maintenance of large, unfragmented territories, where human impact is reduced to a minimum – in order to provide the necessary conditions for wilderness species to mate and breed. It is equally important to link these areas through ecological corridors where human intervention allows animals to move. Wilderness areas and their management via nonintervention methods is the most efficient way to develop large, healthy and balanced populations of wilderness dependent species.

 Current EU legislation encourages re-introduction programmes of extinct species related to wilderness habitats. We sincerely hope that this publication will be helpful in designing a feasible framework both for further, successful reintroduction programs and the continuing restoration of wilderness habitats.

In order to be able to protect remaining wilderness areas, PAN Parks Foundation recommends that the European Commission develops clear monitoring guidelines so that special emphasis is placed on the monitoring of wilderness-related species in non-intervention areas, where large undisturbed spaces provide safe homeland for them. Data collected during the monitoring of wilderness-related species living in undisturbed, non-intervention areas will provide evidence that they form incomparably healthier populations in their natural habitats and without major human impact.

The improvement of the existing monitoring system via developing comparative research could prove that wilderness areas play an essential role in the survival and well-being of wilderness-related species in the long term – an exciting perspective to build upon. Improved research and monitoring activities could invariably support proper conservation of the last of the wild in Europe, as well as raise awareness of the need for wilderness protection all over our continent.

 If you have comments or questions concerning the enclosed publication or the PAN Parks Foundation, please contact Edit Borza, PR Manager at eborza@panparks.org.