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Beyond 2000:
Realities of Global Wolf Restoration
23-26 February 2000
Duluth, Minnesota USA
Josip Kusak, Djuro Huber, University of Zagreb, Biology
Department of the Veterinary Faculty, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb,
Croatia
We studied a wolf (Canis lupus) pack home range, its seasonal
variations, movements, and activity rhythms in Dalmatia, the southern
part of wolf range in Croatia. Radiotracking was used to collect
baseline data to support management decisions for wolves in this
area. The study area holds the highest density of sheep in Croatia,
and the only natural prey is wild boars (Sus scrofa). The
first wolf (Female 1, 0.5 years, 17 kg, Opor pack) was radiocollared
on 30 October 1998, and her movements were monitored through September
1999. The second, belonging to neighboring pack (Female 2, 3-4 years,
25 kg, Vuøevica pack) was radiomarked on 23 August 1999,
and initial locations were made during the first month of tracking.
Attempts were made (visual observations, howling, interviews of
hunters) to estimate the minimal number of wolves in packs, and
their mortality. A minimum of three existing wolves and mortality
of three other wolves of unknown ages and of one pup was documented
for the Opor pack in winter and spring. The Vuøevica pack
had at least three adults and 4-5 pups in August 1999. A total of
166 locations of W1, resulted in a home range of 151 km2 (59 mi2)
(MCP, 100% of locations). Home ranges for October-April, and May-September
were 92 km2 (36 mi2) (96 locations), and 75 km2 (29 mi2) (70 locations),
respectively. Core areas comprising 50% of locations, calculated
by the Kernel method, for autumn-winter and spring-summer were 9
km2 (3.5 mi2), and 14 km2 (5.5 mi2) respectively. Core areas were
situated on northern slopes, in dense Mediterranean oak-hornbeam
forests, more than 1 km (0.6 mi) away from settlements, and less
than 1 km from water. Home-range sizes were similar to those found
in other south European wolf populations, and also similar to ranges
of wolves that prey primarily on red deer. A total of 1,115 activity
readings were taken over 10 months, in all hours of the day. The
wolf was active on 475 (43%), and resting during 640 (57%) occasions.
Higher activity was found at night, 72% of all readings between
18:00 and 06:00. She usually spent a day resting in thick woods
on the northern hillside and started roaming the area after dusk,
but day travels were also documented. Predatory attacks on sheep
have been observed during the day as well. The wolves adapted their
behavior to optimize the proximity and danger of people and use
of livestock prey, albeit with considerable mortality of pack members.
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