Food habits of wolves and selection of wild ungulates in a prey-rich Mediterranean coastal area

摘要: Abstract Large carnivores are increasing throughout the western Holarctic, re-colonising large parts of their former ranges. Ecological (e.g., predator-prey relationships) and socio-economic livestock depredation) consequences this process need to be monitored identify suitable management/conservation actions. We studied food habits selection main prey by wolves in a Mediterranean protected coastal area (Uccellina Hills Maremma Regional Park, c. 70 km2, central Italy, May 2016- April 2018), including sclerophyllic scrubwood, pinewood, wetlands mixed rural-wood habitats. Potential include wild boar, fallow deer roe (c. 25–30 individuals/100 ha, summer, all species together), (mainly cattle sheep, 20 heads/100 ha, overall) several meso-mammals. Overall, ungulates dominated diet 90% absolute occurrence, relative occurrence or volume), with being (absolute AO: 55%; RO: 42%; estimated volume, V: 44%) followed boar (AO: 48%; 36% 33%). Livestock was rarely used (2%, both AO V); coypu 8%; 6%; 6%) another important item. Fallow summer diet, whereas use alternative increased winter. were selected, according availability, less than availability. Prey probably driven greater accessibility detectability deer, which gregarious attended mainly open habitats on lower ground, respect boar/roe deer. Most likely, availability diverse spectrum meso-large comparatively key-factors limit consumption.