Dispersal patterns, social structure and mortality of wolves living in agricultural habitats in Spain

摘要: Wolf Canis lupus dispersal, social structure and mortality have been extensively studied in natural semi-natural areas of North America northern Europe but never assessed agricultural areas. From 1997 to 2004, 14 wolves (11 a wolf-saturated area three low-density area) were radio-collared with long-lasting transmitters Spanish containing high-human-population density, dense network roads shortage wild ungulates. The mainly feed on an overabundance livestock carrion. Nine (one them, times) dispersed during the study period. mean age distance natal dispersal 24.8 months 32 km. period was much longer saturated (mean >14.6 months) than (<1 month). All dispersers living area, two six settled bred study. average tenure breeders 4.5 years. spent 72% monitoring time packs rest pairs, as or peripheral wolves, percentage loners higher (33.5%) low density (1.6%) overall annual 18% (lower most populations less modified habitats), lone had significantly members pairs. died study, none them due causes. In general, our results are very similar those obtained habitats, except for distance, which shorter other studies. We suggest that barriers habitat constraints may reduce distances area.