Wolf number changes in Bieszczady National Park, Poland

• Autorzy: Smietana W. , Wajda J.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

From 1991 to 1995, wolf Canis lupus (Linnaeus, 1758} population dynamics were studied in Bieszczady National Park and the surrounding area (520 km2). The study area was utilized by 5 packs, Pack sizes averaged 5.6 in early and 3.9 in late winter. Overwinter declines in wolf numbers ranged from 21% to 39% (x = 29%), which corresponded well to the known number of wolves killed by hunters or dead of other causes. After every winter decline, wolf numbers recovered through reproduction. Generally, wolf numbers were stable or slightly decreasing during the study. Three neighbouring wojf packs occupied an area of 340 km" and the estimated territory size averaged 85 km2. The estimated density of wolves averaged 5,1/100 km2 in early winter and 3.3/100 km' in late winter. Of all known causes of wolf mortality, 86% were from legal hunting, 5% were from poaching, and 9% were from natural causes. Bieszczady National Park is small in size and its topography influences the spatial distribution of packs. No single pack was fully contained within, or protected by the Park. The number of wolves is overestimated in official reports, because the same packs are likely counted as different groups in neighbouring census units. On hunting grounds adjacent to Bieszczady NP, harvest plans exceed the actual number of wolves which inhabit the area. The creation of a wolf protection zone around Bieszczady NP and some regulations for wolf management in the rest of the region are proposed.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

reproduction; wolf; conservation; mortality; Canis lupus; Poland; Carpathians Mountains; population dynamics; management; Bieszczady National Park; hunting ground

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 1997
• Tom: 42
• Numer: 3
• Opis fizyczny: p.241-252,fig.

Twórcy

autor

Smietana W.

• Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31-512 Cracow, Poland

autor

Wajda J.

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