Impact of Wolf (Canis Lupus) on Animal Husbandry in an Apennine Province

摘要: Predation has always been an important problem in extensive sheep farms, causing serious economic losses to the farmers. In Province of Lucca, presence reproductive wolf packs already confirmed natural reserves, but occasional signs predator have reported also neighbouring areas. The present research carried out this (between Orecchiella Natural Reserve and medium Serchio Valley), order obtain more complete information on location (with transects, wolfhowling snow-tracking), verify real impact risk factors predation livestock (by means on-farm surveys 42 semi-extensive farms) area. was study area with a minimum four adult individuals at least one pup: pack lives around peaks Apennines municipalities covered by investigation. A growing conflict between goat farms observed: since 2007 there 25 attacks three can be considered subject chronic predation. major are high altitude, large flock size lack fences guardian dogs. An accurate knowledge identification mostly useful for future planning interventions aimed prevention support farmers, mitigate caused