Fauna: in the Oltrepò Pavese, between Pavia and Piacenza, there is an increase in the population of wolves.
There are 23 wolves, divided into 5 packs, which are monitored between Pavia and Piacenza. Their appearance in these areas dates back to 2005 (with 18 specimens) and has been increasing and expanding also in the area: from the Apennines the wolf has risen in the area between Lombardy, Emilia, Liguria and Piedmont, to then move towards the west and rise again. following the Alpine arc. Accepted by the general public, the wolf is disliked by breeders because it can prey on livestock. In order to understand how to intervene in these cases, the University of Pavia (prof. Alberto Meriggi) has prepared studies on the diet of this mammal. From the data processed by the analysis of the wolf's feces it emerged that its diet consists of 70% of wild animals (in particular Roe deer and wild boars), 20% of predated livestock (calves, sheep, goats) and 10% of that that finds (fruit, waste).
How can breeders defend their cattle from herd attacks? First of all they must secure their flocks in a protected and enclosed place, especially at dusk and, secondly, show the presence of the man that wild wolves fear. But we ask ourselves: is all this useful? Ultimately, farmers can request part of the compensation for damage directly from the provincial administrations, which - obviously - find it difficult to respond positively. What, then, to do in this context? It is a question to be followed in a very realistic and concrete way.
November 16, 2013
ANUU Migrators