Responses of wolf feeding habits after adverse climatic events in central-western Belarus☆

摘要: Abstract Many studies have investigated the ecology of wolf populations Eurasia, showing that although wolves are mostly opportunistic in seeking meso-large enough mammalian prey, they can also be selective, depending on local availability prey and their population biomass. Yet preferences been poorly evaluated situations complex predator/prey systems because such ecological extremely rare Europe. In particular, role beaver is known due to extreme decline its range over last few centuries. We conducted a 15-year study (1999–2014) Canis lupus diet Naliboki forest central-western Belarus determine dietary responses context rich supply (beaver 650 inds/100 km 2 , elk 47 inds/100 km red deer 98 inds/100 km, roe 398 inds/100 km wild boar 234 inds/100 km ). The bison, present, not preyed on. compared seasonal annual variations both adults pups, by scat analysis hair identification. winter 2012–2013, was quite harsh with long period snow, which severely affected populations. Five severe summer droughts occurred (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004 2013), greatly decreasing water level rivers canals. took advantage these stressful events evaluate wolves. “normal” years, we identified 11 food categories, essentially medium-sized ungulates (66%), large lesser extent (9% summer, 20% winter). were found selectively pups beaver, probably easy transportability. Beaver consumption increased during when levels very low. After followed sharp observed shift breadth towards greater small carnivores. concluded that: 1. functional element ecology, as primary for pups; 2. A available species important maintaining viable cases climatic events.