Protection of Farms from Wolf Predation: A Field Approach

Elena Guadagno, Andrea Gallizia, Livio Galosi (), Martina Quagliardi, Alessio Angorini, Francesca Trenta, Matteo Ferretti, Giampaolo Pennacchioni, Alessandra Roncarati and Federico Morandi
Additional contact information
Elena Guadagno: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy
Andrea Gallizia: CSEBA (Centre for Studies on Ecology and Biodiversity of the Apennines), Località Felcioni 39, 60041 Sassoferrato, AN, Italy
Livio Galosi: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy
Martina Quagliardi: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy
Alessio Angorini: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy
Francesca Trenta: CSEBA (Centre for Studies on Ecology and Biodiversity of the Apennines), Località Felcioni 39, 60041 Sassoferrato, AN, Italy
Matteo Ferretti: CSEBA (Centre for Studies on Ecology and Biodiversity of the Apennines), Località Felcioni 39, 60041 Sassoferrato, AN, Italy
Giampaolo Pennacchioni: CSEBA (Centre for Studies on Ecology and Biodiversity of the Apennines), Località Felcioni 39, 60041 Sassoferrato, AN, Italy
Alessandra Roncarati: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy
Federico Morandi: Sibillini Mountains National Park, Piazza del Forno 1, 62039 Visso, MC, Italy

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: The livestock sector is facing serious challenges in combatting the increasing predation of domestic livestock. In this scenario, wild carnivores, especially wolves, represent key predators. To allow the coexistence of wild and domestic animals, defense methodologies consisting of multiple integrated antipredator strategies must be tested and implemented based on the geographical management context of each farm. This study investigated the potential of a novel antipredator method (PAN, Project Farmers-Nature in Italian) in protecting livestock (goats and horses) from wolves on a farm located in the Sibillini Mountains National Park, over a three-month period (June–September 2022). The PAN field approach involved two phases: (1) interviews with farmers and inspections of how the farm and pasture are structured and (2) monitoring predator abundance using camera traps and transects in order to understand the wildlife habits. Information on predator movement around the grazing area was shared with the farmer, who was actively involved in implementing strategies to protect livestock. The stable presence of one pair of wolves was confirmed in the grazing area, placing grazing livestock at risk. The farmer was advised to strengthen the existing antipredator strategy (herd protection dogs) by introducing two trained Maremma-Abruzzese sheepdog puppies to protect his animals. The implemented actions demonstrate how professional experts can serve as a strategic intermediary between livestock and wildlife conservation in the management of the current conflicts.

Keywords: livestock farming; wolf; predations; monitoring; antipredator strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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