Robin M. Rigg, Slovak Wildlife Society, c/o Berlitz, Kukucinova 7, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia; Slavomir Findo, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 92 Zvolen, Slovakia

Slovakia and its wolves are virtually unknown beyond Central Europe, yet the country covers almost the entire Western Carpathian mountain range and its wolf population is a potential source for natural recolonization of Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and beyond to parts of Western Europe. This paper presents an overview of the present situation, set within the recent historical context, describes research and conservation projects completed or underway and discusses prospects for the future.

The past and present distributions of the wolf (Canis lupus) in the Slovak Carpathians and neighbouring regions are presented. Numbers for the period 1968-98 were mostly derived from annual hunting statistics. We used reported wolf occurrence in 1995 and GIS to map current distribution and extrapolate an estimate of numbers. The total range of the wolf in Slovakia was estimated at 20 777 km2 or 42% of the country. Numbers were estimated at 350-450 individuals (but recent reports suggest this has since been reduced by heavy poaching to perhaps 200-250).

Radio-telemetry research was begun in July 1994 to gather data on home range size and activity patterns. Two wolves were radio-collared in two Tatra Mountain national parks which were recolonized by wolves in the 1970s after previous extirpation. Pack home range sizes during the period of greatest mobility (September to April) were found to be 84 and 85 km2 (adaptive kernel, 95% probability), dropping to 48 km2 from mid-April to September. Movements within the home range were influenced especially by the distibution of red deer (Cervus elaphus), which scat analysis found to be the most frequent prey species (74%, n=57).

Preliminary results are presented which suggest that, where they occur, wolves are limiting the spread of swine fever in Slovakia by removing infected animals which are more vulnerable to predation.

Persecution of wolves through hunting has twice this century extirpated the wolf from the Slovak Western Carpathians. Until recently, an inter-Ministerial dispute over legislation resulted in failure to provide any effective legal protection. Losses of livestock to wolves are insignificant on a national scale but are not compensated and so cause great resentment amongst stockmen. This paper describes an international project to reintroduce the use of well-trained livestock guarding dogs while simultaneously running an education program and promoting the benefits of wildlife conservation through eco-tourism and working holidays.