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A century after vultures quietly disappeared from the mountains of Romania, conservationists have been planning their return as a key piece in restoring the ecosystem of the Carpathian Mountains. The Romanian Carpathians once supported all four European vulture species: GriEon, Cinereous, Egyptian, and Bearded. However, threats such as poisoning, habitat loss and direct persecution led […]

At first, it’s just a shadow flitting past the beech and silver fir trees at At the edge of the clearing. But then the animal’s contours become clear against the contrast of the low afternoon sun. Finally: a brown bear. A brief moment of excitement among the guests in the low wooden hut, then silence […]

A recent trip to Romania’s Carpathian Mountains was filled with astonishing mammal encounters and special birds for David Campbell.

I am sitting in a wooden hut in a forest clearing near Tusnad, aware of a distinct tingling in a delicate area – the part of my body that touches the plank forming a seat. It’s the effect of the sulfur. Outside there are hot springs and mud baths that gently bubble but the purpose of the hut is to take the gas neat.