Spatial variability in wolf diet and prey selection in Galicia (NW Spain)

摘要: We studied wolf (Canis lupus) diet for three different landscapes in the north-western Iberian Peninsula, differing land uses and availability of food wolves. examined 2740 scats, collected over a period 4 years, order to describe diet, its geographic variation, trophic preferences. The most consumed species were wild pony, roe deer cattle. observed differences among study sites, related accessibility resources each habitat. For two sites northern central Galicia, wolves showed similar with high occurrence pony (37 vs. 34%) cattle (20 23%), but consumption ungulates (16 8%) carrion (7 14%). Wolf eastern Galicia’s mountain ranges was entirely different, due higher (70%). Wolves clear prey selection patterns. Between ponies livestock, positively selected ponies. Among ungulates, deer. Wild are key feeding Galicia. In Galician range, main Given that may contribute decrease predation on cattle, it is essential develop innovative administrative decisions such areas preserve this traditional equid population. same way, population should be strengthened livestock outside range pony.