Romania: Wolves as a driving force for regional development
In 1997 Romania's wolves could raise their pups undisturbed for the first time. The closed season for the shy animals was prescribed as running from April 15 to July 30, 1997. This was a big success for the conservationists who were supported by EuroNatur. Approximately 3,000 wolves still live in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, representing 40% of the European population. In the same region one can also find 50% of Europe's Brown bear and 35% of Europe's Lynx populations.
An international conservation and research station coordinates the wolf protection efforts. Its establishment was made possible by EuroNatur with the support from numerous wolf guardianships. The project is also being supported by the Romanian Ministry for Forest Science. The conservation and research station slowly finds out about the wolves' movements throughout the year, about the way the size and communal life within the individual packs develop and change, and what impact hunting and tourism have on the life of the wolves. The station organises international workcamps for young people, as well as 'Wolf Tours' and provide for television documentaries being made which show the fascinating life of this species.
Wolf Tours
The Romanian conservation and research station organises 'Wolf Tours', also nicknamed 'howling tours'. These tours are a good basis on which to develop green tourism in the Carpathians. Many groups from Switzerland, Germany, England, and elsewhere have already admired the huge forests and the beautiful old towns. The guests are booked into private guesthouses in order to channel tourism revenue into the local communities.
