Distribution, status and conservation problems of the wolf Canis lupus in Spain

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Abstract

The distribution, status and conservation problems of the wolf Canis lupus in Spain were studied in 1987 and 1988. Wolves regularly occurred over 100,000 km2, mainly in the northwest quarter of the country, with an estimated 294 breeding pairs, i.e. 1,500 and 2,000 wolves in early spring and autumn, respectively, For 1987, reports were received of 309 wolves killed in Spain (excluding Asturias) but the actual number could range from 550 to 750 every year, mostly illegal killings. Annual damage to livestock was estimated at nearly one million US $, losses being disproportionately high in mountain areas due to the lack of protection of free-ranging livestock. The number of stray dogs is higher where wolves are absent and no extensive wolf-dog hybridization has been recorded. Problems related to wolf management are discussed.

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      However, tensions run high when carnivores return to farming or hunting regions (Bangs et al., 1998; Jhala and Giles, 1991; Landa et al., 1999). Game-keepers, farmers and ranchers typically oppose what they perceive to be cumbersome protective measures (Andersson, 1977; Bath and Buchanan, 1989) and may even support illegal killing and eradication programs (Blanco et al., 1992; Boitani and Ciucci, 1993; Huber et al., 1993; Jackson and Hunter, 1996). Social studies of human-large carnivore relationships have documented improving attitudes following a reduction of livestock killed (Gyorgy, 1984; Huber et al., 1993), suggesting that mitigating attacks on livestock is crucial for managing stakeholder attitudes to facilitate conservation.

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    Present address: ICONA, Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Gran Vía de S. Francisco 4, 28005 Madrid, Spain.

    Present address: Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.

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