Publications by authors named "Paola Aragno"
Article Synopsis
- Developing accurate estimates for low-density, elusive species like wolves is difficult, but researchers created an integrated spatial model to assess the population in south-central Italy using data from a 2020-2021 sampling campaign.
- The study found that approximately 74.2% of the area was occupied by wolves, estimating a total population of around 2,557 individuals, though simulations indicated a slight tendency to underestimate this number.
- To enhance future accuracy of estimates, the researchers recommend increasing sample areas for genetic testing and presence-absence data to at least 30%, which could also be relevant for similar studies on other wide-ranging species.
The wolf (Canis lupus) is among the most controversial of wildlife species. Abundance estimates are required to inform public debate and policy decisions, but obtaining them at biologically relevant scales is challenging. We developed a system for comprehensive population estimation across the Italian alpine region (100,000 km ), involving 1513 trained operators representing 160 institutions.
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