Non-invasive genetic sampling to predict wolf distribution and habitat suitability in the Northern Italian Apennines: implications for livestock depredation risk

摘要: Non-invasive genetic sampling has been used to reconstruct spatial patterns of carnivore distributions, identify regions where conflicts with human activities could threaten the survival a species, and assess effectiveness conservation strategies. In this study, we detailed information on wolf (Canis lupus) livestock distributions infer depredation risks in wide area Italian Apennines. We carried out General Niche Environment System Factor Analysis (GNESFA) define potential distribution wolves genotyped from 8565 samples collected during 12 years non-invasive monitoring 3622 locations. Habitat suitability models indicated that proportion meadows, altitude, slope, roughness, distance settlements were main factors positively related distribution, contrast extension cultivated fields settlements. Results GNESFA local risk, which was high 46.9 % pastures, rank areas prevention tools should be priority. way, use often-limited financial resources for promoted pastures highest risk between husbandry presence might mitigated.