Sheep predation: Characteristics and risk factors

摘要: Abstract Predation has always been an important problem in extensive sheep farms, causing serious economic losses to the farmers. Official predation reports have recently decreasing District of Pisa, spite presence two wolf packs area. The aim present research was obtain reliable information on characteristics and estimate effectiveness existing prevention methods farms southern order set up predictive models for improved more focused plan support interventions by public authorities. On-farm surveys were carried out 73 semi-extensive farms. events reported 75.3% Wolves seemed be responsible most those events, although their actual role could confirmed only 34% cases. Most occurred spring 85.1% them concentrated during night time. average number killed each attack 7.05. In 22.3% cases, ≥10. Proximity protected areas thick vegetation cover significantly affected probability a farm being subjected chronic predation. Farm size higher No clear indication about obtained from our survey. results this investigation highlighted impact Southern Pisa emphasized need finding technical political solutions problem. Attention should large with located close areas. Further investigations test suitable these