Intensity of Territorial Marking Predicts Wolf Reproduction: Implications for Wolf Monitoring

摘要: Background The implementation of intensive and complex approaches to monitor large carnivores is resource demanding, restricted endangered species, small populations, or distribution ranges. Wolf monitoring over spatial scales difficult, but the management such contentious species requires regular estimations abundance guide decision-makers. The integration wolf marking behaviour with simple sign counts may offer a cost-effective alternative status populations scales. Methodology/Principal Findings We used multi-sampling approach, based on collection visual scent marks (faeces ground scratching) assessment reproduction using howling observation points, test whether intensity around pup-rearing period (summer-autumn) could reflect reproduction. Between 1994 2007 we collected 1,964 in total 1,877 km surveyed searched for pups' presence (1,497 307 observations points) 42 sampling sites wolves (120 sites/year). number was ca. 3 times higher confirmed pups (20.3 vs. 7.2 marks). We found significant relationship between (mean maximum relative index) probability reproduction. Conclusions/Significance This research establishes real-time suggest conservative cutting point 0.60 regional scale combined use mean index given area. show how procedures permit rapid, real-time, assessments breeding packs substantial implications at scales.