WOLF MONITORING IN DUNA FENIGLIA NATURAL RESERVE 

In 2018, the managing body of the protected area (Reparto Tutela Biodiversità dei CC.FF. di Follonica) entrusted the Applied Ecology Institute of Rome, under the scientific supervision of the ‘Charles Darwin’ Department of Biology and Biotechnology of La Sapienza University, with a survey on the wolf population present.

The monitoring activities were carried out from March to November 2018, both in the Duna Feniglia territory and in the surrounding areas (eastern side of Monte Argentario, Ansedonia promontory, including the dune area to the south).

The aims of the monitoring were:

(1) to verify the presence of the wolf inside the Reserve and in the neighbouring areas;

(2) to determine the minimum number of wolves frequenting the Reserve area

(3) assessing the possible reproduction and movements inside and outside the reserve area

(4) gather basic information on the feeding ecology of the wolf in the area and its relationships with potential prey species

(5) to verify behavioural interactions with people, inside and outside the reserve.

Field activities included

  •  systematic collection of biological samples to be genetically analysed (ISPRA’s Conservation Genetics Laboratory)
  • visual assessment of indigestible residues in the scats;
  • monitoring of wolf presence through video trapping and wolf-howling
  • quantification of the presence and demographic structure of the main prey species (wild boar, fallow deer) through sightings and video trapping
  • systematic collection of environmental and behavioural information concerning wolf sightings by the local population.

In addition to the field activities, communication actions were carried out with the local population and tourists (agreement with the ‘Argentario Ambiente Sicuro’ Committee for reports of animals in urban areas, meetings-excursions in the Reserve, participation in debates) and training for the CC.FF. of the Follonica Biodiversity Protection Department.

For further information:

Lucchesi M., Fazzi P., Salvatori V., Ciucci P. (2018). Monitoraggio del lupo nella Riserva Statale di Duna Feniglia. Report finale delle attività e indicazioni gestionali. Istituto di Ecologia Applicata, Roma.