A wolf in the hand is worth two in the bush: a response to Ciucci et al. (2007)

摘要: The use of carcasses in demographic studies mammals is not a new issue (e.g. Englund, 1980, for the red fox Vulpes vulpes; Sidorovich et al., 2007, grey wolf Canis lupus; Gonzalez & Crampe, 2001, Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica), but reliability these varies with origin and quality samples. Ciucci al. (2007) maintain that ‘opportunistic or convenience sampling acceptable should be encouraged’ studies. They generalize from data reported recent paper ours (Lovari 2007) on mortality parameters Apennine lupus italicus Altobello (1921), Central-eastern Italy, based 154 carcasses, over an 11-year period. We agree sound live population, adequate sampling, are definitely preferable to carcasses. However, can quite hard collect population elusive species, example wolf. first peerreviewed biology Italy was published 32 years ago (Zimen Boitani, 1975). Since then, wolves have been carried out by several research teams across most distribution range Meriggi 1991; 1992; 1996; 1997; 1999; Gazzola 2002; Apollonio 2004). In spite efforts, only food habits (for review: Lovari, 1996), some aspects genetics (Randi, Lucchini Francisci, 1993; Lorenzini Fico, 1995; Randi 2000; Scandura, Mattioli, 2001; 2005; Scandura 2006; Fabbri predator/prey interactions (Meriggi Mattioli 2004; 2005) relatively well assessed. absence information demography, large samples useful as source help formulate conservation models, appropriate cautionary interpretation. also ‘proper methodology acknowledgement potential sources bias common practice’ (Ciucci 2007). This why we repeatedly emphasized limits our sample dead mentioned theoretical qualities animals reflect structure. Because meet field conditions, their conclusion found wild encouraged. If missing (as it very often case larger Mammals), when required modelling), educated guesses become likely alternative. question whether such better than using even though this may contain biases. think that, needed rare soundest approach test models real wild, if lacking obtain. Variation carcass recovery effort potentially important but, study, ‘recovery effort’ approximately constant throughout study Carcasses were recovered mainly (no o98%) rangers State Forestry Service, whose units evenly distributed area, historic core Italy. By law (Ministry Agriculture Forestry, doc. n. 30668, 24th October 1991), all had delivered single agency, where one us (R. F.) performed necropsies, thus ensuring consistent evaluation