Dogs and Wolves: Parma, specimen of wolf captured in Albareto

di Benjo

April 26, 2015

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Dogs and Wolves: Parma, a specimen of wolf was captured presumably part of the pack responsible for attacks on dogs from hunting reported in the last three years in the Albareto area.

At the dawn of 22 April, following about two months of intense monitoring activities, the working group of the Wolf Apennine Center of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park has captured a female wolf of about 5 years of age. The capture activities, provided for by the Life MIRCO - wolf project of which the National Park is a beneficiary and whose primary purpose is the conservation of the wolf's genetic heritage, are aimed at ascertaining the genetic status of the specimens present in the territory, adopting different management solutions. for the hybrids and wolves thus identified.

For the specimens that at a first phenotypic examination are potentially hybrids, temporary maintenance in captivity at an authorized facility is envisaged for the purpose of greater phenotypic and genetic tests. If, in the light of the analyzes, the captured animal is hybrid, it undergoes a minimally invasive sterilization procedure (vasectomy if male, tubal ligation if female) after hearing the opinion of ISPRA, and as per protocol it is equipped with a GPS collar. and released in kind. This procedure reduces the reproductive potential of the captured hybrids that are no longer able to produce new generations of hybrids, but preserves their role within the herd and their normal hormonal cycles.

The specimens that at the time of capture are instead pure wolves, that is, they do not show any evident sign of hybridization with the dog, are immediately released equipped with a GPS collar. This is the fate of the female wolf of Albareto, whose capture has a double value: the animal, in addition to showing no signs of hybridization, belongs to the pack of wolves responsible for numerous attacks on hunting dogs reported by the hunting world. in the last three years and also ascertained by the Wolf Apennine Center, right in the Municipality of Albareto.

The application of the GPS collar will allow to accurately describe the home range (territory) occupied and the frequentation of the most sensitive areas during the hunting season, i.e. those in which the risk of attacking dogs is highest. “The predations on domestic dogs represent a scientifically known phenomenon in the whole distribution range of the wolf, an ecologically opportunistic species whose diet can include any food resource if easily accessible. The detailed knowledge of the territory of a herd like that of Albareto, obviously specialized in predation on dogs, will allow us to provide useful information to hunters, who will thus be able to avoid the areas most at risk for their animals, with a consequent reduction in conflict, and learn more about this predatory behavior. The return of the wolf in the hilly areas of the Apennines, often more man-made, can understandably generate more than a fear. The wolf is in fact a predator and the threat posed to livestock and pets that its presence entails makes coexistence difficult.

The participatory process implemented by the WAC with the Territorial Area of Hunting 9 (Albareto) of the Province of Parma and the deepening of knowledge in progress go in the direction of improving this coexistence, creating a climate of greater trust between institutions and more understanding of the species, its ecology and its presence in the area of interest.

(April 26, 2015)

Source: Parks