Howling activity of free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) in the Białowieża Primeval Forest and the Western Beskidy Mountains (Poland)

摘要: We investigated spontaneous howling by radio-collared wolves Canis lupus inhabiting the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF), eastern Poland, and elicited behavior in of BPF Western Beskidy Mountains, southern Poland. Over half (58%) all howls recorded throughout a year occurred period from July to October, with peak August. The daily pattern vocal activity was characterised between 1800 0000 hours, which coincided first (dusk) wolf mobility. Wolves howled core areas their territories not peripheries. Howls served as communication temporarily separated pack mates (43% cases), after re-union (18%) before setting out for hunt (22%). Very few (2%) were targeted at neighbouring pack. responded human-simulated June–September, August (reply rate: 39%). duration increased significantly group size: single or pairs lasted, on average, 34–40 s, whereas those five seven (including pups) had an average 67–95 maximum length nearly 4 min. In populations Polish studied here, primarily intra-pack communication. Nonetheless, high reply rate simulation showed that – if necessary readily advertised presence territory strangers.