Inter-pack, seasonal and annual variation in prey consumed by wolves in Pollino National Park, southern Italy

摘要: Although understanding of food habits wolves in human-modified landscapes is critical to inform conservation and conflict management, no such studies have ever been conducted the southern Apennines, Italy, where long coexisted with humans. By means scat analysis (n = 1743) log-linear modelling, we investigated diet composition five wolf packs relatively simple prey system Pollino National Park (PNP), Italy (1999−2003). Overall, although wild boar was most frequently consumed (mean frequency ± SD, 63.1 ± 23%), both cattle predominated terms biomass (45.3 ± 24 48.1 ± 21%, respectively). We revealed, however, a zonal (i.e. area, pack) followed by annual seasonal effects on diet. Cattle consumption northern portion PNP (Pollino subrange) highest, especially during summer when (68.3 ± 20%). Instead, highest Orsomarso (biomass, 62.1 ± 13%), increasing trends throughout study period but relevant variation. Wild piglets calves were age classes, revealing their availability year-round higher profitability compared other prey. reflected prevailing husbandry techniques (free-ranging herds unattended births) determined permanent state conflict, often spurring retaliatory killing wolves. Compatible practices, along restoration multi-prey communities, are needed reduce wolf-livestock conflicts possibly enhance ecological role human-altered ecosystems.