Factors affecting habitat occupancy by wolves in northern Apennines (northern Italy): a model of habitat suitability

摘要: The expansion of the wolf population all over Europe has posed problems on wolf-man coexistence in those areas where was not present for a long time. Breeding activities are now threatened by high predation livestock. We investigated relationship between and its habitat, order to evaluate habitat suitability predict presence. study covered 3289 km2. A 23 km2 grid used identify 143 sample squares. For each square 58 variables were measured from land-use (1:25 000), topographical maps. Wolf presence (4 classes) assessed scat collection, direct observations, snow tracking, wolf-howling, records. Univariate multivariate statistical analyses carried out investigate influence features model based two different equations: dichotomous logistic regression model, polytomous one. first one discriminated suitable unsuitable habitats, predictions confirmed 93% grouped cases; second provided predicted values that concordant with observed response levels 82.5% contrasts. Both models underlined importance three factors determining suitability: wild prey abundance, human forest cover.