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INTRO:

The authors represent with their abstract current issues of wildlife and specifically large carnivore population management under the EU habitat directive and the requirement of its member states to report the conservation status of habitats and species, i.e. favorable reference population, versus scientific findings, i.e. minimum viable population sizes. Nowadays, many large carnivore populations are monitored with the help of non-invasive genetic techniques which allow to assess the viability of these populations by the use of genetic methods. This is especially crucial for transborder populations across larger scales, e.g. as for large carnivore populations in Norway and Sweden. This abstract represents also the goals of the international workshop on transborder monitoring and management of large carnivores by underlining contemporary problems between government and research.

MERITS:

More than ever, government and research work hand in hand to assess and manage large carnivore populations in Northern Europe. Finally, large datasets of brown bears, wolves, lynx etc. are available from substantial, regular monitoring projects and at the disposal for managers and researchers to investigate and test what management actions and goals may be successful, reasonable, feasible but also scientifically sound. This workshop brings together researchers and managers from different countries to summarize achievements, future challenges and, hopefully, leads to suggestions and even more collaboration.This presentation sets the foundation of this workshop and represents the common goal.

CRITIQUE:

This is not meant as a critique per se, but rather as a suggestion (for another, future presentation) because it may seem too much to fit in here: The abstract clearly focuses on the population management of large carnivores by the EU and governments. However, a substantial part of large carnivore management is influenced by occuring and potential human-wildlife conflicts, which, further, have their effect on the management. This is, in my opinion, an important point. However, I understand and appreciate the focus of the authors on the more, one could call it "top-bottom" approach in management here. 

DISCUSSION:

See my comments to the other sections, please. The contribution by these authors is a very important comparison and discussion of high level management by the EU and governments, and, suggestions based on scientific studies on large carnivore populations. 

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INTRO:

The manuscripts introduces the aims of the workshop on transboundary aspects of large carnivore management, and highlights the importance of considering genetic aspects when assessing long-term viability of populations.

MERITS:

The manuscript and workshop aims to link the experience and theoretical knowledge of managers and researchers to a practical tool, the conservation status assessment and reporting guidelines

CRITIQUE:

No significant weaknesses or problems.

DISCUSSION:

The workshop is important for highlighting the need for an increase in focus on transboundary aspects in the management of large carnivore populations.