Changes in Wolf Occupancy and Feeding Habits in the Northern Apennines: Results of Long-Term Predator-Prey Monitoring.

The comprehension of the factors that have influenced the recent changes in wolf () range and diet that have occurred in our study area, characterized by a highly heterogeneous landscape, can shed light on their current process of expansion toward the plain. Wolf presence was monitored using a standardized protocol from 2007 to 2022 by carrying out eight monitoring sessions organized in seasonal surveys, during which, we collected wolf presence data. To model wolf range dynamics, we used dynamic occupancy models considering land cover types and wild ungulate abundances as covariates.

Hide-and-Seek in a Highly Human-Dominated Landscape: Insights into Movement Patterns and Selection of Resting Sites of Rehabilitated Wolves () in Northern Italy.

Assessing the behavioural responses of floating wolves to human presence is crucial for investigating the chance of wolf populations expanding into urbanised landscapes. We studied the movement ecology of three rehabilitated wolves in a highly human-dominated landscape (Po Plain, Italy) to explore wolf's plasticity amid widespread human pressure. To reach this aim, we estimated individual 95% utilisation distributions (UD) after the release and inspected both 95% UDs and net squared displacements to identify individual movement patterns; tested for differences in movement patterns during day and night; and analysed the selection of resting sites during dispersal movement in a highly human-altered environment.

Niche partitioning between sympatric wild canids: the case of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in north-eastern Italy.

Background: Two coexisting species with similar ecological requirements avoid or reduce competition by changing the extent of their use of a given resource. Numerous coexistence mechanisms have been proposed, but species interactions can also be aggressive; thus, generally a subordinate species modifies its realized niche to limit the probability of direct encounters with the dominant species. We studied niche partitioning between two sympatric wild canids in north-eastern Italy: the golden jackal and the red fox, which, based on competition theories, have a high potential for competition.

Combining ensemble models and connectivity analyses to predict wolf expected dispersal routes through a lowland corridor.

The Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) population has remained isolated South of the Alps for the last few thousand years. After a strong decline, the species has recolonized the Apennines and the Western Alps, while it is currently struggling to colonize the Eastern Alps. Recently, the species was detected in a lowland park connecting the Northern Apennines to the Central Alps.

Wolf predation on wild ungulates: how slope and habitat cover influence the localization of kill sites.

Based on data collected along the Ligurian Apennines and Alps (N-W Italy), we analysed the main environmental and human-related factors influencing the distribution of kill sites of the wolf . We mapped and digitized 62 kill sites collected during 2007-2016. Around each kill site, we defined a buffer corresponding to the potential hunting area of wolves.

Unexpected infections in shepherd dogs and wolves in south-western Italian Alps: A new endemic area?

The European distribution of has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on s.l.

Erratum: Wolf predation on wild ungulates: how slope and habitat cover influence the localization of kill sites.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/cz/zox031.].