This report is the outcome of a request made by the Permanent Committee of the Commission concerned with Wildlife and Natural Habitat Conservancy in Europe. Similar reports have already been prepared for other rare or vulnerable wild carnivores such as the lynx and the European mink. These documents present and describe current data on the status and evolution of species (or sub-species) populations in the countries involved, as well as threats they may face, be they potential or actual, as identified by specialists. These data act as the basis for drawing up recommendations relevant to the conservation of the animal in question.