Human-Bear Conflicts Expert Team Co-chair

Claudio Groff is a wildlife management expert, specializing in bears and large carnivores, with over 3 decades of experience in conservation and human–wildlife coexistence. He has worked extensively with the Wildlife Department of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy, where he has coordinated the Large Carnivore sector since 2004, leading monitoring, management, and conflict mitigation efforts. Earlier in his career, he served as a park ranger in the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, focusing on brown bear monitoring and conservation. In addition to his role with the Bear Specialist Group, Claudio is an active member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management and the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe. He has contributed to global collaboration through leadership roles, including serving as President of the Large Carnivore Platform of the Alpine Convention. His work bridges science, policy, and field practice to promote sustainable coexistence between people and large carnivores.