On the status and distribution of the large carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora. Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx) in Albania Dr. Ferdinand Bego Tirana University, Museum of Natural Sciences, Rruga e Kavajes, Tirana, Albania Abstract This is a paper on the existing knowledge and the recent data about the status and distribution of the large carnivores (Ursus arctos, Canis lupus, and Lynx lynx) in Albania, based upon the last 10 years (1994-2003) field trip and work throughout the country. Each LC species is analysed separately, and for each species status, distribution, threats to and reasons for species decline are given and discussed. Some conservation measures to improve LC population are also proposed. Special attention should be paid to the Lynx, a critically endangered species in Albania, whose population is estimated at 20-25 individuals. Key words: Large carnivores (Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx) distribution, status, threats, and conservation measures. 1. Introduction Inspite of its territory Albania plays an important role to maintain and ensure the long-term survival of the large carnivores of the Southern Balkan. Its populations and gene-pools for the Lynx (Lynx lynx L.), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos L.) and Wolf (Canis lupus L.) are of great importance for a healthy population of large carnivores, especially in the Western Balkan mountain ecosystems. Historical data on the status and distribution of the carnivores, are those offered by the General Directorate of Forestry and Pastures and the Institute of Forestry and Pasture Research. Other old sources of data on hunting games, including LC species, provide the publications of PUZANOV V. & MITRUSHI I. (1955) and KOÇI V. (1961). In 1986 Prigioni et al in their paper on the otter (Lutra lutra) in Albania publicize data on the species status and distribution. GRIFFITHS H.I., (1991) and GRIFFITHS H.I.,THOMAS D.H. (1993) provide data on the status of the Euroasian Badger, Meles meles (L.1758) in Europe, including Albania. All the three species are in the list of the main threatened animal species of Albania (ATKINSON R.I.,1990). In the recent years there are collected quite a lot of information and useful data on the status of the LC species and some of them have been published or communicated (BEGO F., 1997; BEGO F. ET AL., 1998; BEGO F, 2001a and 2001b; VANGJELI J., HABILI D., BEGO F., RUCI B., 1997). This paper is providing the most recent and updated knowledge on the current status, distribution and conservation of the large carnivores of Albania.