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Home ranges, movements, and activity of wolves (Canis lupus) in the Dalmatian part of Dinarids, Croatia

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Abstract

Home-range sizes, movements, and daily activity of wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) were studied in Dalmatia, Croatia in 1998–2001. The total home ranges (100% MCP) of two packs were 160 km2 and 141 km2, mean=150.5 km2. Core areas (50% kernel) were 26.2 km2 and 3.3 km2, respectively. Differences in core area sizes were influenced by human activity—hunting and sheep grazing. Compared with random locations, wolf locations were closer to the nearest water source (mean=937 m) and farther from houses (mean=653 m). Wolves were significantly more active during the night than during the day (activity indexes were 0.53 vs. 0.35), and night activity was higher during summer (0.58), and lower during winter (0.48). A correlation was found between distances traveled and activity index (r=0.58, p=0.003). Home range, seasonal variations in home-range size, habitat use, and activity of wolves in Dalmatia were oriented to make the compromise from danger of proximity to humans and also to benefit from human-related food sources.

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Acknowledgements

This project was financed by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Bernd Thies Foundation (Switzerland). Permission to study the protected species was given by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Zoning. Inspectors for damages on livestock provided us valuable information and logistic help at the beginning and during field work. Special thanks go to 26 differing students, whose participation and help in field work was irreplaceable during long days and nights of radiotracking.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Josip Kusak & Djuro Huber

  2. Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, A1B 3X, St. John’s, NL, Canada

    Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek

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  1. Josip Kusak
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  2. Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek
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  3. Djuro Huber
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Correspondence to Josip Kusak.

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Kusak, J., Skrbinšek, A.M. & Huber, D. Home ranges, movements, and activity of wolves (Canis lupus) in the Dalmatian part of Dinarids, Croatia. Eur J Wildl Res 51, 254–262 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0111-2

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