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Beyond 2000:
Realities of Global Wolf Restoration
23-26 February 2000
Duluth, Minnesota USA
Peretz Gilady, Israeli Nature and National
Parks Protection Authority, Northern District, PO Box 1143, Safed,
13216 Israel
The Golan Heights, approximately 1,000 km2 (390 mi2), are located
in the northern part of Israel, east of the Sea of Galilee. The
livestock population there includes about 5,000 ewes and 12,000
cows on 350 km2 (140 mi2). Adult male wolves (Canis lupus pallipes)
in Israel weigh about 26-30 kg (55-70 lb), while wolves of the Golan
population are slightly larger, similar to European wolves. The
wolves in Israel are in danger of extinction, and their population
size is "guesstimated" to be 150-200 individuals, including 100
in the Golan. Wolves have been protected in Israel since 1954, but
are culled due to livestock predation and rabbis transfer. In recent
years, genetic, demographic and behavioral research has been conducted
on the Golan's wolf population. According to ranchers' estimates,
wolf predation damage to livestock during 1998-1999 was approximately
$280,000. Predation affected about 6% of all newborn livestock.
Identification of the predator was done via inspection of the remains,
tracks, teeth marks, biting location and the description of the
event by the rancher. It was not always possible to determine the
cause, whether it was predation, or the predator's species. The
following methods are used to try to minimize wolf depredations
on livestock: (1) Two breeds of guard dogs are raised in Israel,
the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheep Dog, and recently the Turkish
Akbash has been tested. In general, dog presence with the herd may
reduce predation (2) In spite of guard dog presence, it is still
difficult to eliminate predation, so some ranchers fence some pastures.
We recommend electric fencing of birthing enclosures up to 200 hectares
(500 acres) in size . A kilometer (0.6 mi) of electric fencing costs
$800. (3) Controlled hunting of specific wolves is conducted only
by wildlife rangers or hunters with special permits, and only during
attempted predation. (4) Marking birthing enclosures every two to
three days with dogs urinating or defecating along enclosure perimeter.
(5) Foot traps are used to capture wolves but only where wolf damage
is observed. (6) When dens are located within paddocks, wolves are
removed and transferred to local zoos or universities. (7) A governmental
compensation fund provides partial compensation for predatory damages
and financial assistance to purchase an electric fence and guard
dogs. These measures attempt to find the Golden Path that minimizes
conflicts between nature and humans.
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