The Alps and the wolf: a combination that has been finding a new balance in recent years. One of the biggest European predators, after decades of absence due to man-made persecutions, is repopulating the central-eastern area of the mountain range.
It was not a reintroduction, but a spontaneous colonization that took place due to its ability to move even in unfavorable environments, for the abundance and variety of prey available and for the increase in wooded areas: environmental conditions suitable for its return. . It lives in small herds (5-11 elements) with a strong hierarchy and hunts in groups with complex and very efficient techniques. It generally leads a sedentary life and leaves its habitat only for lack of food. It defends the territory from the other herds by releasing a combination of odoriferous traces (urine, feces, pheromones etc.), direct attacks and howls. Currently its presence is about 100 specimens and this indicates the good state of health of the Alpine environment. Despite the laws and protection actions, the wolf does not have an easy life: often for unfounded but difficult fears to fight, this animal enters on a collision course with humans, especially with shepherds, breeders and hunters, who consider it an "enemy". Recent studies, however, have ascertained that the wolf's favorite prey are large wild herbivores: chamois, roe deer, deer and mouflons, while domestic livestock never exceed 15% of its diet.
The European project “Life WolfAlps” contributes to the management of the wolf's return to the Alps. In seven key areas (Maritime and Cozie Alps, Ossola, Central Alps, Dolomites, Lessinia and Slovenia), monitoring and conservation actions have been implemented for the species, measures to prevent wolf attacks on domestic animals, interventions to combat poaching. and control strategies for wolf-dog hybridization, necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of the population of this mammal over the long term. Other important initiatives useful to guarantee the conservation and re-diffusion of this predator over the entire Alpine arc are: anti-poison dog teams, spreading a greater knowledge of the species by debunking false myths or beliefs.
Formally started in October 2013, the project will continue until 2018 with the participation of various partners: the Natural Park of the Maritime Alps, the Veneto and Lombardy regions, the State Forestry Corps, the National Parks of Val Grande and Stelvio, the Regional parks of the Cottian Alps and the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. The future of the wolf in the Alps, therefore, depends on the establishment of a positive coexistence with the man who for a long, too long time has hunted one of the most fascinating, mysterious and wild animals in the mountains.
Huffington Post
29.10.2014