Experimental release of hand-reared wolf pups in Tver region (Russia): food habits, movement patterns and fear of humans.

摘要: Studying the reintroduction of hand-raised wolves may embrace several interests such as deepening knowledge on wolf biology and allowing a controlled release in isolated populations need genetic influx. Studies wild animals, showing successful reintroduction, suggested that young released might be able to survive without previous fastidious training. Most their survival behaviours would instinctive. In this study, nine were reintroduced Tver region (Russia) followed order evaluate fear humans, movement patterns, thanks GPS-Argos collars fitted three assess diet via four methods scats analysis. We analyzed 46 collected from August 2010 January 2011. determined frequency occurrences items per items, used Relative Estimated Bulk estimate biomass prey species consumed. Statistics conducted test for significance method comparisons. The results showed half remained near enclosure weeks months after release, occasionally leaving vicinity. individual behaved differently, they adopted various patterns had diverse home ranges (from 15 km2 40 km2). Released preyed more ungulates, especially moose other mammals mountain hare. They also sporadically hunted domestic animals regularly consumed vegetal matter along with smaller alternative prey. Finally, all scat-analysis significantly assessed (p < 0.01) relative importance main food types.