Lessons
After its debut in Liguria, the first Wolf Knowledge Course, organized by the Coordination of Federcacciatrici ( Italian Hunting Federations) in collaboration with Federcaccia's regional branches and with the support of ISPRA (Italian Institute for Research and Development). The course's goal is to raise awareness of the wolf species, including its conservation, and to train foresters who, through careful observation, can gather and then provide accurate information to the relevant authorities about the presence of wolves in a given area. The course has been a resounding success, especially in Emilia Romagna, where nearly three hundred hunters and nature lovers have attended lectures by Dr. Elena Bassi, a wolf researcher, and Dr. Paola Aragno of ISPRA.
Sightings and predations
Over one hundred participants also attended in Lazio, where Dr. Aragno was joined by Professor Fioravante Serrani of the University of Tuscia. The course, which will be repeated in September in Veneto and other Italian regions, is the result of a collaboration between the Coordination Committee, Federcaccia, and ISPRA, specifically aimed at monitoring the presence of these carnivores in the affected regions. Sightings, as well as predation on livestock or pets, are reported in specific questionnaires that will be made available to ISPRA. Areas of particular concern due to the presence of large wolf packs or confiding individuals will also be notified to the Institute. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly frequent and has led to 19 attacks on humans, which ISPRA has recognized and described in its report.
Forms
The courses – available online – are organized into three lessons of approximately two hours each, divided into modules as follows:
biology and ecology of the species
systematics, distribution and phenotype (brief note on hybridization)
history of the Italian population
the pack, dispersal and reproductive behavior
spatial ecology and territoriality
food ecology
monitoring techniques.
genetic sampling
camera trapping
Acoustic monitoring
tracing of footprint tracks
telemetry
validation and interpretation criteria for presence signs
monitoring objectives and sampling protocol
first national survey and citizen involvement
phenomenon of urban and confident wolves and experimental protocol for case management and sampling protocol
The course includes a practical field lesson on searching for wolf tracks. All participants will receive a certificate.
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