Patterns of wolf Canis lupus predation on wild and domestic ungulates in the Western Carpathian Mountains (S Poland)

摘要: We studied the predator-prey relationships among wolvesCanis lupus Linnaeus, 1758, wild ungulates, and livestock in managed mountain forests of Western Carpathians (S Poland). Though roe deerCapreolus capreolus dominated community ungulates was abundant within study area, three wolf packs preyed mainly on red deerCervus elaphus (42% food biomass), next deer (33%). In both species deer, wolves preferred killing females juveniles more frequently than expected from their respective shares populations. Wild boarSus scrofa made up 4% biomass, accordance with its low share community. Despite easy access to numerous unprotected sheep flocks pastured meadows woods, constituted only 3% biomass. Wolves mostly (88%), average 34 per year. Most cases depredation occurred August –September, pastures located most often >50 m apart buildings. Usually, lack proper guarding conducive attacks.