Wildlife at risk: A media-based analysis of wildlife poaching in Romania

The conservation of endangered species is under growing threat from poaching, which has become more complex and globally widespread. In Romania, escalating human–wildlife conflicts and diminished public support for wildlife are driving an increase in poaching. Moreover, the country lacks a centralized and official database to monitor and document poaching events. In this study, we aim to contribute to the understanding of poaching in Romania by (1) identifying the wildlife species most affected by poaching, exploring the incentives behind illegal hunting and fishing, and assessing the methods involved; (2) analyzing the spatial distribution of poaching to identify hotspots of illegal hunting and fishing; and (3) proposing practical and ethical strategies to mitigate and minimize poaching. We examined poaching incidents reported in Romania by national media between 2007 (following the country’s accession to the European Union) and 2024. A series of statistical analyses, including Correspondence Analysis (CA), was conducted to explore patterns within the collected data. The findings indicate that ungulates and aquatic species are primary targets of poaching, largely driven by economic motivations associated with the trade in meat and other animal-derived products. In addition, protected species such as large carnivores are frequently targeted by poachers due to human–wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving livestock predation and low levels of tolerance among local communities. The spatial analysis identifies key poaching hotspots requiring urgent intervention. This study provides a comprehensive overview of poaching in Romania, contributing to the development of a national anti-poaching strategy with policy-relevant recommendations for decision-makers.