Human caused mortality in the endangered Scandinavian wolverine population

摘要: Abstract The wolverine is a relatively long lived mustelid species with low average annual reproduction which in theory makes them sensitive to changes survival rates. In multi-year study we monitored 211 radio-marked wolverines estimate age-specific rates and mortality causes an endangered population. Our data suggests that poaching forms substantial part of population dynamics northern Scandinavia causing up 60% adult mortality. Average rate was 0.91. Male female did not differ. Twenty-five were confirmed have died during the study. Fifty-two percent human caused. most important cause (9). Annual lower (0.86) when 15 resident assumed due included analyses. Natural among subadults adults less frequent our compared North American populations. Adult significantly snow season (December–May) than snow-free (June–November), while natural more evenly distributed between seasons. We explain this by frequency higher season. results underline need frame underlying dimension factors behind facilitate conservation management