Perspectives on the Iberian wolf in Portugal: population trends and conservation threats

Abstract

The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), an endemic subspecies of the Iberian Peninsula, is endangered in Portugal. Contrary to the rest of Europe, the distribution of this subspecies has been declining in Portugal throughout the twentieth century to the present day. Knowledge of the Iberian wolf in Portugal is limited and this lack of detailed scientific knowledge makes it difficult to evaluate conservation priorities. To fill this gap, we summarize existing knowledge regarding trends and potential threats and provide a perspective on Iberian wolf population trends in Portugal, identifying potential factors modulating such trends. Priorities for research and existing monitoring gaps are presented. Declines are primarily associated with a scarcity of wild prey with consequent livestock predation, and illegal persecution primarily in retaliation for predation on livestock. If these limiting causal factors continue operating, Iberian wolf survival in Portugal is jeopardized. Wolf conservation will benefit from a long-term project including public awareness, scientific research and conservation and management solutions to protect this endangered subspecies. Future research should focus on the mechanisms regulating population size, territory occupancy and interactions with prey species, both domestic and wild.