Management Models Applied to the Human-Wolf Conflict in Agro-Forestry-Pastoral Territories of Two Italian Protected Areas and One Spanish Game Area.
Authors: Piscopo Nadia, Gentile Leonardo, Scioli Erminia, Eguren Vicente González, Carvajal Urueña Ana Maria, García Tomas Yanes, Alberti Jesús Palacios, Esposito Luigi
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Wolf populations have recovered across parts of Europe through conservation efforts, yet their presence continues to generate conflict with livestock producers—particularly in the agro-pastoral territories of Italy and Spain, where predation on horses, cattle and sheep remains economically damaging. Researchers examined mortality patterns and management approaches across two Italian protected areas and one Spanish game zone, documenting causes of death in both wolf and livestock populations alongside existing mitigation strategies. Key findings revealed that whilst hunting accounts for the highest proportion of wolf deaths in Spain, population censuses indicate this has minimal demographic impact on the Iberian population; conversely, Italy's wolf numbers are increasing despite (or because of) the hunting prohibition, with poisoning and poaching representing significant mortality sources in both countries alongside road accidents. Although predation incidents on equine stock—particularly foals—cause substantial losses, these events provide valuable ecological data on wolf behaviour and habitat use that can inform targeted management. The authors conclude that straightforward management protocols promoting coexistence between productive livestock systems and functional carnivore populations are achievable, though the emergence of wolf-dog hybrids presents an additional complicating factor that requires separate consideration in conservation planning.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Wolf presence in pastoral territories requires proactive management planning rather than persecution; evidence shows populations recover despite hunting in some regions
- •Livestock producers should view wolf predation incidents (particularly on foals) as data points for understanding predator behavior patterns that can guide targeted protection strategies
- •Implementation of coexistence management models is feasible and more effective than continued conflict; focus should shift to ecosystem service valuation and damage mitigation rather than population control
Key Findings
- •Wolf populations in Italy are increasing despite absence of hunting, while Spanish populations remain demographically stable despite hunting records highest kill percentages
- •Road accidents, poisoning, and poaching are identified as major causes of wolf mortality across protected and hunting areas
- •Wolf attacks on horses and foals provide valuable information about carnivore habits and can inform management strategies
- •Simple management plans can facilitate coexistence between livestock production and ecosystem services provided by wolves, with hybrid presence identified as a negative factor