Predation by grey wolf on wild ungulates and livestock in central Iran

摘要: The grey wolf Canis lupus has the largest geographical range of large mammalian carnivores in west Asia. However, it is one least studied species, particularly Iran. Feeding ecology a critical aspect predator and important implications when formulating species ecosystem management strategies. Also, predation on livestock crucial cause wolf–human conflicts throughout wolf's global range. Accordingly, we investigated diet Ghamishlou, an area with high population densities wild domestic ungulates central Iran, between July 2007 April 2009. Scat analysis indicated that was single most prey for wolves 47.1% total biomass consumed, whereas Persian gazelle comprised 27.0% sheep 15.9%. Wild kills were significantly skewed towards males relative to their proportion population, mainly preyed during post-rutting months. Based interview surveys, less than 1% mean herd size lost depredation; however, almost six times more died from non-depredation causes each winter. We concluded occurrence wolves' because scavenging rather owing pressure local herds non-winter seasons other areas depleted populations, people dislike try eradicate them. Finally, are discussed solutions recommended.