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Author Mori, E.; Benatti, L.; Lovari, S.; Ferretti, F. url  doi
openurl 
  Title What does the wild boar mean to the wolf? Type Journal Article
  Year 2016 Publication European Journal of Wildlife Research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 63 Issue 1 Pages 9  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Generalist predators are expected to shape their diets according to the local availability of prey species. In turn, the extent of consumption of a prey would be influenced by the number of alternative prey species. We have tested this prediction by considering the wild boar and the grey wolf: two widespread species whose distribution ranges overlap largely in Southern Europe, e.g. in Italy. We have reviewed 16 studies from a total of 21 study areas, to assess whether the absolute frequency of occurrence of wild boar in the wolf diet was influenced by (i) occurrence of the other ungulate species in diet and (ii) the number of available ungulate species. Wild boar turned out to be the main prey of the wolf (49% occurrence, on average), followed by roe deer (24%) and livestock (18%). Occurrence of wild boar in the wolf diet decreased with increasing usage of roe deer, livestock, and to a lower extent, chamois and red deer. The number of prey species did not influence the occurrence of wild boar in the wolf diet. The wild boar is a gregarious, noisy and often locally abundant ungulate, thus easily detectable, to a predator. In turn, the extent of predation on this ungulate may not be influenced so much by the availability of other potential prey. Heavy artificial reductions of wild boar numbers, e.g. through numerical control, may concentrate predation by wolves on alternative prey (e.g. roe deer) and/or livestock, thus increasing conflicts with human activities.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1439-0574 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Mori2016 Serial 6689  
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Author Meriggi,A.; Lovari, S. openurl 
  Title A Review of Wolf Predation in Southern Europe: Does the Wolf Prefer Wild Prey to Livestock? Type Journal Article
  Year 1996 Publication Journal of Applled Ecology Abbreviated Journal J. Appl. Ecol  
  Volume 33 Issue Pages 1561-1571  
  Keywords Canis lupus, conservation, food habits, prey abundance, prey availability.  
  Abstract 1. The recent recovery of the wolf in southern Europe has not yet removed the risk

of local extinction. Wolf populations are fragmented and often comprise fewer than

500 individuals. In North America, northern and eastern Europe, wolves feed maiiily

on wild herbivores. In southern Europe, this canid has apparently adapted to feed

also on fruit, rubbish, livestock, small and medium-size mammals.

2. The main conservation problem lies with predation o n domestic ~ingulates,w liich

leads to extensive killing of wolves. The reintroduction of wild large herbivores has

been advocated as a means of reducing attacks on livestock, but predatiori on the

latter may remain high if domestic ungulates are locally abundant.

3. Our synthesis of 15 studies, published in the last 15 years, on food habits of the

wolf in southern Europe, has shown that ungulates have been the main diet component

overall. A significant inverse correlation was found between the occurrence (%) of

wild and domestic ungulates in the diet. The presence of relatively few wild ungulate

species was necessary to reduce predation on livestock.

4. Selection of wild and domestic ungulate prey was influenced mainly by their local

abundance, but also by their accessibility. Feeding dependence on rubbish was local

and rare. In Italy, the consumption of riibbish/fruit and that of ungulates was significantly

negatively correlated. Diet breadth increased as the presence of large prey

in tlie diet decreased.

5. The simultaneous reintroduction of severa1 wild ungulate species is likely to reduce

predation on livestock and may prove to be one of the most effective conservation

measures.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6387  
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