One of the southernmost Brown bear populations in Europe can be found in Northern Greece in the Rodopi Mountains which are still home to about 100 bears. To the northwest, in the former Yugoslavian Republic Macedonia, there is also a relatively high number of bears to be found. However, not even the Macedonian conservationists are quite sure about the real status of Europe's largest predator. Therefore, EuroNatur calls for a thorough survey of the populations of not only the Brown bear but also the wolf and the lynx in Macedonia. This is a mere first step in sustaining the Macedonian populations. While the bears enjoy year-round legal protection their habitats are not necessarily being maintained and there is still illegal poaching. Convicted bear poachers can expect a fine of the equivalent of up to 5,000 Euro but a trophy still has a black market value of twice that amount - a serious temptation in a poor country.

In the medium term EuroNatur and its local partners aim to achieve the designation of extensive protected areas in Macedonia's forest regions as a refuge for bears, wolves and lynx. Together with the Macedonian conservation organisation BSPSM we have already achieved some success: We have successfully campaigned for the designation of the Ezerani protected area which is 20 square kilometers in size and located on the northern shores of Lake Prespa. A shore area of the size of 3000 soccer pitches will remain completely undeveloped and will serve as a refuge for the native flora and fauna, and as a 'stepping stone' for migratory bird species.