Source-sink dynamics promote wolf persistence in human-modified landscapes: Insights from long-term monitoring

摘要: Abstract Long-term monitoring studies assessing wolf population dynamics are scarce, particularly in human-dominated landscapes of southern Europe. In this work, we estimate demographic parameters northwest Portugal based on a multi-methodological approach over 20 years split into two periods (period A: 1996–2005; period B: 2007–2016). Period B takes advantage methodological upgrades surveys, as GPS telemetry and the use genetic noninvasive samples, to report dispersal events identify core sink packs. The average annual size was 27.0 ± 2.1 (SE; range 13–43) individuals, with 2 6 packs an density 1.7 ± 0.1 wolves/100km2. showed growth rate 4.2 ± 7.6%, decreasing trend A, −8 ± 9%) followed by recovery B, 16 ± 11%), mainly due local extinction reestablishment pack 6.2 ± 0.3 maximum 16 highest reported value for Iberian wolves. During percentage dispersers detected 11% distance 24.8 ± 1.2 km. Core higher group persistence, breeding success, sizes compared Results suggest source-sink population, few promoting maintenance through stepping-stone process. Our findings provide comprehensive overview reinforce that management conservation planning should take consideration trends long-term studies, spatial traits across