To Eat or Not To Eat? The Diet of the Endangered Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in a Human-Dominated Landscape in Central Portugal.

摘要: Livestock predation by large carnivores and their persecution local communities are major conservation concerns. In order to prevent speculations reduce conflicts, it is crucial get detailed accurate data on predators’ dietary ecology, which particularly important in human dominated landscapes where livestock densities high. This the case of endangered Iberian wolf Portugal, an endemic subspecies Peninsula, has seen its population distribution abundance decline throughout 20th century. Accordingly, diet was analyzed, using scat analysis, a humanized landscape central Portugal. From 2011 2014, total 295 scats were collected from transects distributed study area, prospected monthly basis. Scat analysis indicated high dependence livestock. Domestic goat predominated (62% scats), followed cow (20%) sheep (13%); only wild ungulate present boar (4% scats). Our results show that even though constitute most part wolves diet, different species may represent opportunities. We conclude levels consumption be result low diversity density ungulates settles as abundant prey for wolves. findings help understanding feeding ecology have implications conflict management strategies. Finally, discussed solutions recommended.