Population dynamics of Wolves Canis lupus in Bialowieża Primeval Forest (Poland and Belarus) in relation to hunting by humans, 1847–1993

摘要: Population dynamics and demography of the Wolf Canis lupus were studied in Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF, 1250 km2), best preserved mixed deciduous forest lowlands Europe; 40% BPF belongs to Poland 60% Belarus Republic. Polish Belarussian game departments' inventories numbers (1946-93), archival hunting statistics (1847–1993), observations, snowtracking reports on shot Wolves (1980-93) are presented. In BPF, coexist with five species ungulates: European Bison bonasus. Moose Alces alces, Red Deer Cervus elaphus, Roe Capreolus capreolus Wild Boar Sus scrofa. During last 150 years, there four periods high BPF: around 1820-40, 1870-80, 1925-30 1945-48, always after uprisings wars. Maximally, from 7.2 9.1 ind./100 km2 recorded. Declines prolonged low (due persecution by humans) recorded 1882–1915 1958-72 (0–1 km2). In recent years (1980-93), average 33 (2.6 ind./lOO km2) their slowly increasing. Data this period subject a demographic analysis population. part (on average, 13 every year), negligible occurred 1980-89, since 1989 have been protected. part, treated as pests, year 16 out mean number 20 individuals (80%). Most killed (70% harvest) December, January February, during traditional snowtracking-driving hunts ‘fladry’ (lines flags). Hunting caused decline pack size an 4.0 (SD 2.0) late autumn, 3.6 1.6) mid winter, 2.3 1.5) winter. (no hunting), varied 4.2 1.7) 4.3 2.2) 1.9) Among shot, 44% females 56% males (ratio 1: 1.3). The age 63 was estimated external features; 35% juveniles < 1 year, 43% 2–3 old, 22% 4–5 years' old. 1980-93, whole legal accounted for 78% mortality, taking pups natal dens humans 16%, poaching 4%, traffic accidents 1%, unknown causes 1%. Sarcoptic mange several Wolves. On 6.25 per litter born (range 3–8). If only natural factors mortality considered, 3 months birth 3.1 (50% mortality), 2.2 would reach (65% mortality). However, 29% all taken pets (in both parts BPF) or receive bounty part). As early November, along adults part. Thus, if human-caused is survived mortality) 0.9 pup reached (85% mortality). In Bialowieia population increased, most probably due constant immigration two immigrants year) vast forests adjoining east.