In Italy there is an estimated 3.300 wolves | The results of the first national tracking of the wolf have been published by Ispra national agency. (translation in the comments)
In Italy there is an estimated 3.300 wolves | The results of the first national tracking of the wolf have been published by Ispra national agency. (translation in the comments)
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THE FIRST WOLF MONITORING IN ITALY COORDINATED BY ISPRA
An estimated 950 individuals move through the Alpine regions, while nearly 2,400 are distributed along the rest of the peninsula. Overall, there are an estimated 3,300 wolves in Italy (ISPRA data). The species permanently occupies about 41,600 km2 in the alpine regions and 108,500 km2 in the peninsular regions, accounting for just over 50 percent of Italy’s territory.
SUCCESSES FOR CONSERVATION STATUS
These are in summary the main results of the first national wolf monitoring, whose field data collection had ended in April 2021 and in which more than 60 WWF volunteers participated. Today, therefore, the wolf population in Italy has definitely improved its conservation status. Thanks to its legal protection and an increase in both forests and prey species, the wolf has spontaneously recolonized much of the Peninsula.
THE EXPERTS’ REACTION
For the first time in Italy we have comprehensive and reliable data on the presence and distribution of the wolf, a species that is fundamental to our ecosystems and whose presence is a value for our territories
Gianluca Catullo, species and habitat manager WWF Italy
Numbers are up, as experts expected, but threats to its conservation remain current. Poaching and accidental mortality continue to kill hundreds of wolves each year, and hybridization with dogs threatens the genetic integrity of the species.
This is why we must not let our guard down and continue to work to encourage the coexistence of wolves with human activities, animal husbandry in the first place. We hope that these results are the beginning of the path that will finally lead to the approval of a shared Management and Conservation Plan, including actions to counter threats and improve coexistence between local communities and the wolf – Gianluca Catullo, species and habitat manager WWF Italy.
THE VALUE OF THESE DATA
The data collected and the network created can provide support to local governments and national parks for proper wolf conservation and active mitigation of conflicts, especially in areas of the species’ neo-expansion, but definitely abandoning the idea of unnecessary and harmful actions such as culling.
What happened to the fourth wolf?
so – how are the laws of damage? for people who have sheep etc.?
.. and do they have the right to defend their lifestock?