A multidisciplinary approach to estimating wolf population size for long‐term conservation
Francesca Marucco, Maria Virginia Boiani, Pierre Dupont, Cyril Milleret, Elisa Avanzinelli, Kristine L. Pilgrim, Michael K. Schwartz, Achaz von Hardenberg, Domenica Serena Perrone, Olivier Friard, Arianna Menzano, Francesco Bisi, Umberto Fattori, Michela Tomasella, Sonia Calderola, Sabrina Carolfi, Piero Ferrari, Christian Chioso, F. Villard Truc, Giulia Bombieri, Luca Pedrotti, Davide Righetti, Pier Luigi Acutis, Fabio Guglielmo, Heidi C. Hauffe, Chiara Rossi, Romolo Caniglia, Paola Aragno, Valentina La Morgia, Piero Genovesi, Richard Bischof
Abstract
Abstract 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 2 ), involving 1513 trained operators representing 160 institutions. This extensive network allowed for coordinated genetic sample collection and landscape‐level spatial capture–recapture analyses that transcended administrative boundaries to produce the first estimates of key parameters for wolf population status assessment. Wolf abundance was estimated at 952 individuals (95% credible interval 816–1120) and 135 reproductive units (i.e., packs) (95% credible interval 112–165). We also estimated that mature individuals accounted for 33–45% of the entire population. The monitoring effort was spatially estimated thereby overcoming an important limitation of citizen science data. This is an important approach for promoting wolf–human coexistence based on wolf abundance monitoring and an endorsement of large‐scale harmonized conservation practices.