Conserving The Marsican Brown Bear

Europe's most vulnerable carnivore

The Marsican brown bear is one of central Europe’s last remaining apex predators. With just over 60 individuals remaining, it is classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Critically Endangered”. Yet, for the long-term viability of the ecosystems of the Apennines Mountains, the Marsican brown bear’s
survival is crucial.

We support Salviamo l’Orso in their mission to rejuvenate this fragile population, and secure a future for
the Marsican brown bear.

We Support Salviamo l’Orso’s Conservation Work

Salviamo l’Orso is working to enhance bear habitats and improve connectivity between them. The growth of the population relies on the bear’s expansion from the core areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

To improve the condition of habitats, the forests and grasslands of the Central Apennines are being conserved and improved. Native fruit trees are being planted, while pollinator diversity is being promoted to enable the regeneration of vegetation. By removing barbed wire fencing, left from old agricultural traditions, connectivity between bear populations is being encouraged.

Salviamo l’Orso is working to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. Electric fences and bear-proof waste bins are being distributed, while traditional methods of coexistence are being unearthed. The small population has a limited ability to respond to new environmental stresses, many of which are introduced by humans. Salviamo l’Orso is combating the threat of road collisions by installing acoustic and optical wildlife warning reflectors on road surfaces. A canine vaccination programme has reduced the transmission of potentially harmful diseases.

Salviamo l'Orso's Achievements

Over 100,000 metres of barbed wire removed from Apennine Mountains
Over 250 electric fences installed
100 per cent decline in bear-related damages in two bear-smart communities

"Thanks to TENT’s support, Salviamo L’Orso has been able to scale up work initiated in a few small pilot areas to the whole distribution range of the Marsican brown bear, enabling human-bear coexistence"

Stefano Orlandini
Chairman, Salviamo l'Orso

TENT and Salviamo l’Orso’s Partnership

The European Nature Trust has an annual funding commitment to support Salviamo l’Orso’s work. Through our collaboration with companies and donors, we engage new supporters and drive fundraising efforts for Salviamo l’Orso’s work. Our conservation journeys to the Apennine region allow people to connect with Italy’s landscapes, while enabling travellers to make a financial contribution to Salviamo l’Orso’s conservation work.

Experience Abruzzo and support bear conservation


You can contribute to the conservation of the Marsican brown bear by visiting Abruzzo National Park. Our friends at Wildlife Adventures offer tailor-made, expertly-guided tours giving you the best chance to see bears. They always operate slow, soft tourism, operating respectfully of the natural environment and bear ecology.
visit abruzzo with wildlife adventures

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