WOLFNExT – WOLF SURVEY IN GARGANO NATIONAL PARL

Within the framework of the WOLFNExT I parchi a sistema per il futuro del lupo in Italia project, financed by the MASE following the enactment of the Biodiversity Directive, the Gargano National Park commissioned the Applied Ecology Institute in Rome to survey the wolf population.

The monitoring activities were carried out from May 2023 to April 2024, with the following main aims

  1. Monitoring of the National Park wolf population using indirect methods.
  2. Genetic characterisation of the National Park’s wolf population and the phenomenon of wolf-dog hybridisation.
  3. Analysis of the phenomenon of predation on domestic livestock, with on-the-spot inspections for vulnerability analysis̀ and evaluation of preventive systems.

The work plan drawn up was aimed at achieving these objectives:

  • Objective 1: estimation of the minimum number of herds present in the park.
  • search for signs of presence referable to the species on pre-established routes;
  • photo-videotrapping(camera trapping).
  • Objective 2: Empirical estimation of the hybridisation percentage from the samples collected and subjected to genetic analysis.
  • Collection of organic samples from droppings found during the search for signs of presence.
  • Objective 3: Qualitative-quantitative investigation of the impact of the wolf on livestock activities:
  • Analysis of previous data on predation and zootechnical activities to be made available by the Park Authority.

Field activities included:

  • systematic collection of biological samples for subsequent genetic analysis (ISPRA Conservation Genetics Laboratory);
  • visual assessment of indigestible residues in the droppings;
  • monitoring by photo-video trapping and induced howling (wolf-howling);
  • visits to specifically identified livestock farms to assess the anti-predator strategies applied and the prevention systems in place.

In addition to the field activities, training and information activities were carried out for the CC.FF. of the Park Department.

For further information:

Ciuti F., Lucchesi M., Di Pascasio A., Salvatori V., 2024 – Monitoraggio del lupo (Canis lupus italicus) nel Parco Nazionale del Gargano. Relazione conclusiva 2023-24.