Grey wolf feeding habits and their geographical variation in Northwest Spain

Abstract

This study investigates wolf (Canis lupus) dietary preferences and their geographical variation by calculating frequency of occurrence and biomass consumption in three areas in the north-western Iberian Peninsula that differ in terms of the type and abundance of potential prey. Wolf dietary preferences were expected to be related to the availability of a species of free-roaming horses (Equus ferus atlanticus) and much less to traditional livestock in each habitat.The diet of wolves was found to comprise mostly Galician feral horses when available, with a low proportion of livestock. The next most consumed species were wild boar (Sus scrofa) and cattle (Bos taurus taurus). A much higher consumption of traditional livestock (84% biomass) was observed in the one study area where there were no feral horses.The fact that access to feral horses may help decrease wolf predation on other species of livestock which are more economically important and the environmental benefits of horses in protecting against forest fires suggest that conservation and expansion of this endangered species of horses should be encouraged. Strengthening existing populations and possibly re-introducing native wild species within the wolf's range may be the most environmentally friendly way to reduce economic losses for farmers and cattle breeders.