Coexisting with Large Carnivores

Ensuring the conditions for the peaceful coexistence of large carnivores with livestock farmers, crop producers, beekeepers, and rural communities is one of the greatest challenges for the long-term conservation of the brown bear, grey wolf, and golden jackal in Greece.

For centuries, these species have struggled to survive and adapt to landscapes that have been continuously shaped by human activity. Over time, large carnivores have learned to exploit food resources associated with human settlements, with anthropogenic food sources now forming an important part of their diet. As a result, encounters with bears, wolves, and jackals in and around villages have become increasingly common in recent years, often raising understandable concern among local residents.

At the same time, Greece’s primary production sector has faced growing economic pressures over recent decades. The long-term viability of farming, livestock breeding, and beekeeping has become increasingly uncertain, contributing to declining production and the gradual abandonment of rural areas. For many producers, damage caused by large carnivores represents an additional financial burden and, in some cases, the tipping point for already vulnerable livelihoods.

Without timely and effective measures to prevent damage and support affected communities, these conflicts can intensify, creating conditions that threaten not only rural livelihoods but also the survival of large carnivore populations. Promoting practical coexistence solutions that protect both people and wildlife is therefore essential for the future of Greece’s natural heritage.