Beyond ungulate density: Prey switching and selection by the wolf in a recolonised area

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 54, P. e03069 - e03069

Published: July 2, 2024

The analysis of mechanisms underlying prey use and selection is crucial for understanding the potential apex predators to shape ecological processes across trophic levels. Significant implications conservation management ecosystems can ensue, especially in human-modified landscapes characterised by recent recovery predators, such as those Europe. Generalist may show frequency-dependent selection, leading switching; however, there no ubiquitous support positive relationships between abundance selection. In a protected area recently recolonised wolf Canis lupus hosting abundant wild (>20 individuals/km2), we assessed (>3000 scats analysed) throughout 7 years since settlement (April 2016-to-March 2023), during which density was relatively stable. Wolf diet dominated boar Sus scrofa fallow deer Dama dama (>70 % occurrences volume); roe Capreolus capreolus coypu Myocastor coypus represented main secondary prey. showed clear switching study. first two years, positively selected. Then, replaced prey, selected, with progressive decrease years. Selection indices were negatively associated deer. relationship population inconsistent species, being negative weakly deer, although latter sharp decline area. Concurrent studies increased diurnal activity consequent reduced temporal overlap this predator, suggesting avoidance. By supporting minor role mediating switching, our results suggest major other factors (e.g., antipredator behavioural responses). Alternative substantial are important buffer not only towards changes but also effects potentially reducing detectability, e.g., behaviour.

Language: Английский

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Low contribution of livestock in the grey wolf diet in the area with high availability of free-ranging cattle and horses

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 71(3)

Published: April 26, 2025

Language: Английский

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Switch or perish? Prey–predator interactions in a Mediterranean area

Animal Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 13, 2024

Abstract Predator–prey relationships can influence community processes, and a rich prey spectrum is important to favour carnivore conservation, as well buffer single towards intensive predation. Antipredator behavioural responses occur be dynamic in time space, which may generate counter‐responses predators. However, data are scarce on their role modulating diet behaviour. Data especially needed for European landscapes that largely anthropized have been recently recolonized by large carnivores. In protected area central Italy the wolf hosting of wild ungulates, we studied interactions between this predator three ungulate species. At initial stage recovery, fallow deer boar were main prey, while roe was minor food item. Through camera‐trapping habits, assessed temporal changes wolf–prey throughout 5 years (2017–2022). Wolf detection rates spatially associated with those boar, but shrub cover positively related negatively suggesting possible avoidance sites lower visibility greater predation risk. Throughout years, increased its diurnal activity, decreasing overlap predator. The showed crepuscular/nocturnal an synchronization replaced first prey. No support major spatiotemporal reported deer. With ongoing recovery carnivores across Europe, conservation priorities emphasize need maintain efficient ecological Our results antipredator behaviour importance diverse ensure

Language: Английский

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Wolves across borders

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(6)

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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