Lethal management may hinder population recovery in Iberian wolves

摘要: In previous centuries, wolves were extirpated across much of their range worldwide, but they started to recover in Europe since the end last century. A general pattern this recovery is expansion occupied by local populations. The Iberian wolf population, shared Portugal and Spain, reached its lowest extent abundance around middle twentieth Unlike other populations Europe, pack counts seem have stalled first Spanish country-wide census 1986–1988. population shows low effective size remains isolated from European wolves. This unexpected given protection offered legislation, i.e., Habitats Directive, apparent availability habitat outside present range. We compiled records killed legally reviewed legislative management framework for discussed potential implications a policy lethal ecology, genetics conservation status Peninsula. Wolves are strictly protected Portugal. Meanwhile, subject culling hunting Spain. No was removed or during study period Portugal, whereas 623 Spain between 2008 2013. Twenty-nine those areas under strict according legislation. Despite transboundary nature we not aware coordinated plans. Management further fragmented at sub-national level both due authority autonomous regions over wildlife, because listed multiple annexes Directive. Fragmentation uneven adherence obligations Directive among regions. similar situation found large predator Europe. suggest that as carried out hindrance transit settlement wolves, within beyond population. Reducing pressure appears feasible change improve foster connectivity.