Deficiencies in Natura 2000 for protecting recovering large carnivores: A spotlight on the wolf Canis lupus in Poland

摘要: If protected areas are to remain relevant in our dynamic world they must be adapted changes species ranges. In the EU one of most notable such is recent recovery large carnivores, which by Natura 2000 at national and population levels. However, network was designed prior their recovery, raises question whether sufficient protect contemporary ranges carnivores. To investigate this we evaluated coverage three wolf Canis lupus populations Poland. Wolf tracking data showed that wolves have recolonised almost all suitable habitat Poland (as determined a suitability model), so calculated overlap between On basis published criteria, used 20% as minimum required coverage. At level, sufficiently (22% coverage), but Baltic Carpathian far better (28 47%, respectively) than endangered Central European Lowland (12%). As insufficiently protects Poland, recommend expansion least an additional 8% western discuss specific forests need Implementation these actions will positive conservation implications help fulfil its Habitats Directive obligations. it likely similar gaps arising other member states experiencing carnivore recoveries, particularly Europe, make case for flexible approach suggest evaluations may beneficial elsewhere.