PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Portugal’s grey wolf (Canis lupus) population is more-or-less limited to two core zones within an area of 20 000 sq km along the border region with Spain. One of these areas is located north of the Douro river in the mountainous interior, the other is to south of the river along the border. The disappearance of the wolf is principally due to human pressure, habitat destruction and the disappearance of its natural prey - young deer and wild boar. These threats continue to take their toll on the species to the extent that it is now considered an endangered species listed under the Habitats Directive, in the Berne Convention and in the IUCN Red Data Book.
OBJECTIVES
Please note this is an extension project (See LIFE94 NAT/P/001055). The project’s overall objective was to contribute to the long term conservation of the grey wolf population in Portugal (approximately 250-300 animals -1994). Specific aims were:
- To conserve and improve the existence of the wolf’s natural prey;
-To improve the scientific knowledge of the species;
- To develop a national public awareness campaign on the importance of the conservation of the wolf and to promote coexistence between humans and wolves;
- To carry out assessments of (i) the current situation of the wolf (ecological, distribution and conservation status); (ii) its natural prey (red deer, fallow deer, roe deer and wild boar); and (iii) feral dogs who compete with the wolves for food).
Some measures would be implemented to aid the conservation of the wolf in its natural habitat, such as through the reintroduction of natural prey.
RESULTS
The original project (see LIFE94 NAT/P/001055), together with this extension, resulted in the compilation of a good deal of information on the wolf in Portugal, including updated data on distribution and trends, population size and density, reproduction and mortality and feeding habits. The best areas in terms of habitat, shelter and food resources were identified, and various threats were defined (shooting, poisoning, car accidents and habitat destruction and fragmentation). Some individual adult animals were captured and fitted with radio transmitters in order to track their movements and behaviour.
Other studies were carried out on the distribution and density of natural prey populations, as well as on the wolves’ diet, compared with that of feral dogs. The study on the wolves’ natural prey revealed the most suitable species to be reintroduced and the best areas for releases.
Among the main practical achievements was the reintroduction of 42 roe deer (as prey) in the region south of Duoro.
Information from the project/ extension was used in the drawing up of a National Strategy for the Conservation of the Wolf.
Finally, awareness on the importance of the conservation of the species was increased through training of nature reserve staff, as well as through meetings in local schools and villages. Local people and hunting associations generally indicated an interest in working together towards the conservation of the wolf.The original project (see LIFE94 NAT/P/001055), together with this extension, resulted in the compilation of a good deal of information on the wolf in Portugal, including updated data on distribution and trends, population size and density, reproduction and mortality and feeding habits. The best areas in terms of habitat, shelter and food resources were identified, and various threats were defined (shooting, poisoning, car accidents and habitat destruction and fragmentation). Some individual adult animals were captured and fitted with radio transmitters in order to track their movements and behaviour.
Other studies were carried out on the distribution and density of natural prey populations, as well as on the wolves’ diet, compared with that of feral dogs. The study on the wolves’ natural prey revealed the most suitable species to be reintroduced and the best areas for releases.
Among the main practical achievements was the reintroduction of 42 roe deer (as prey) in the region south of Duoro.
Information from the project/ extension was used in the drawing up of a National Strategy for the Conservation of the Wolf.
Finally, awareness on the importance of the conservation of the species was increased through training of nature reserve staff, as well as through meetings in local schools and villages. Local people and hunting associations generally indicated an interest in working together towards the conservation of the wolf.