Wolf diet and prey selection in Croatia

摘要: Tensions between humans and wolves have led to intensive worldwide studies of wolf feeding habits their relative preference for domestic wild ungulates. The aim this study was provide further insight into the diet composition in Croatia, based on stomach contents dead wolves. We examined spatial variation prey selection availability animals. Furthermore, we aimed determine selectivity relation gender age. conducted 42 gray (18 females, 24 males). Samples were collected from three regions Croatia with different ratios availability. density ratio ungulates increased gradually north-west (5.8), through central (11.6) south-east (134) Croatia. Wolf followed pattern animals increasing 0.7 1.3 5.3, respectively. share significantly higher all range even where livestock high. Female ate birds, rodents, dogs more than males south, scarce. This showed wolves’ ungulate, rather abundant, but well-guarded livestock. European idea coexistence human-dominated landscape seems possible some effort understanding humans’ side.