Wolf recovery and population dynamics in Western Poland, 2001–2012

摘要: Since the mid-twentieth century, under different management regimes (over 20 years of a wolf control program followed by trophy hunting), wolves were absent or rare in Western Poland (hereinafter WPL). They became strictly protected whole country 1998 and started to re-settle vast forests WPL, far (376 ± 106.5 km) from source population eastern Poland. In 2002–2012, increased several approximately 140 living 30 family groups, with an annual rate increase 38 % (λ = 1.38, SE = 0.10). The area permanent occurrence 600 10,900 km2, average density 1.3 wolves/100 km2. nearest neighbour distance between territories decreased 260 25 km. 2001–2005, half settlement efforts failed after 1–2 years whereas 2006–2009 only one fifth newly settled persist >2 years. number groups varied 2 9, mean group size 1.8 2001 4.8 2012. survival pups May end November was 50 % (the per litter 5.1 2.5, respectively). Of 28 found dead, 65 % killed vehicles, 25 % poached, 7 % died because diseases natural factors. All road casualties young wolves, most them male (67 %), hit on roads 11.6 km centre pack. re-colonisation WPL jump dispersal, which allowed establish packs distant locations. As recovery proceeded, dispersal pattern shifted being stratified, mixture diffusion that resulted creation close vicinity existing groups. After 12 years re-colonisation, occupied about 30 % potential suitable habitats.