Genetic monitoring has proven helpful in estimating species presence and abundance, and detecting trends in genetic diversity, to be incorporated in providing data and recommendations to management authorities for action and policy development. We reviewed 148 genetics research papers conducted on the bear species worldwide retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. This review aims to reveal sampling methodology and data collection instructions, and to unveil innovative noninvasively genetic monitoring techniques that may be integrated into the genetic monitoring of a large bear population. In North American studies, hair samples were collected more often than faeces, whereas in Europe, both faeces and hair samples surveys are recommended, usually focusing on faeces. The use of the Isohelix sample collection method, previously tested locally and, if suitable, applied at the national level, could generate numerous advantages by reducing shortcomings. Additionally, dogs trained for faeces sampling could be used in parallel with hunting managers, foresters, and volunteers for sample collection organised during autumn and winter. It was stated that this is the best period in terms of cost-efficiency and high quality of the gathered samples. We conclude that large-scale noninvasive genetic monitoring of a large bear population represents a challenge; nevertheless, it provides valuable insights for biodiversity monitoring and actions to respond to climate change.

The alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) once vanished from Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, but a reintroduction initiative launched in 1973 has since fostered population recovery. This study evaluates the long-term success of those efforts and explores the feasibility of further reintroductions. Population data from 2004 to 2025 across the Rodna, Retezat, and Făgăraș Mountains show a steady growth trend, culminating in a national population of approximately 815 individuals by 2025. Habitat quality was assessed using a Habitat Suitability Index, identifying robust colonies that could serve as donor populations. Additionally, an Ecological Diagnostic Key was developed to evaluate 27 potential reintroduction sites in the Țarcu, Ciucaș, and Bucegi Mountains. Findings reveal that 61 ha are suitable for reintroduction, with 40.5 ha rated as highly suitable. The study proposes a phased reintroduction strategy, combining individuals from established Romanian colonies with genetically diverse founders from Western Europe. It emphasizes soft-release protocols and calls for mitigation of anthropogenic pressures. This research supports a broader conservation framework that integrates habitat evaluation, demographic stability, and genetic health to enhance the alpine marmot’s persistence and expansion in Romania.

Genetic monitoring represents a valuable tool for natural resource managers in managing and conserving wild populations of plants and animals. Even though there is a clear need to establish genetic monitoring programmes urgently, several barriers could occur depending on the region, such as lack of funding, gaps in national strategies, poor international collaboration, and transboundary issues. This review aims to analyze the genetic and non-genetic variables used in previous studies and projects to reveal the premises for conducting genetic studies on multispecies using existing knowledge. However, we found that sex marker, the number of samples per individual per year, and the rate of non-invasive samples were correlated with each other, as well as the number of sample types used and monitoring time. We show that developing nations are indeed challenged by the cost of large-scale and temporal coverage of the genetic studies. In contrast, high amounts of funds, complex methods, and national genetic monitoring programs are concentrated in well-developed countries, and the results are providing powerful tools for both species management and long-term conservation.