An integrated program to prevent, mitigate and compensate wolf ( Canis lupus ) damage in Piedmont region (northern Italy)

摘要: Wolves’ natural recolonization in the Western Alps early 1990s resulted increased depredation events. The Piedmont Regional Administration has been running a program aimed at monitoring wolf expansion process and mitigating human-wolf conflict since 1999. Three key actions, i)compensationofcanids(wolfanddog)damage; ii)asubsidysystem to promote good livestock husbandry practices; iii) promotion of preventive measures, were used prevent compensate damage caused by wolves. Direct was verified veterinarians refunded according an annually updated price list. In addition indirect losses compensated on lump-sum basis proportional herd size for each attack. Since 2007 subsidy system rewarded shepherds who, pasturing within home range packs neighbouring areas, have adopted management practices measures. Ad hoc prevention plans mainly addressed chronic situations. Changes animal (removal dead from pastures, confiningsickanimals, synchronizingbirthsandusingshedlambing), use electric fences introduction guarding dogs (LGDs) most common interventions. A new model electrified net developed LGDs selected diffused; behavioural research is progress. Program integrates dierent measures manage conflict: not only damages, but also stimulate adoption compatible with presence Actually, order tolerance owners, theProgramaimedtodistributewolfconservationcostsmoreequitably involve farmers decisional processes.