Seguimiento estival e invernal de lobos en los Ancares lucenses

Abstract

We present the results of wolf surveys in summer 2006/2007 and winter 2006/07 in Los Ancares Hunting Reserve, Lugo, north-western Spain. The 2006 study area covered the Los Ancares Hunting Reserve, and in 2007 the study area was extended further northwards and southwards. To locate wolf packs and estimate the summer population, we surveyed transects in search of wolf signs (scat and scratches) and used howling points and watch points. A kilometric abundance index (KAI) was used as potentially indicative of pack presence. Winter estimates were obtained by means of simultaneous surveys of transects in snow. The transects (n=16 in 2006, n=24 in 2007) were sampled in August, September and October, and covered a total of 191 km and 298.38 km, in 2006 and 2007, respectively. There were 21 howling points and 12 watch points in 2006, and 74 howling points and 20 watch points in 2007. A snow census in December 2006 and another in March 2007 involved 13 simultaneous transects. In 2006, two wolf packs were found, and the presence of pups in both packs was confirmed by means of chorus howling and direct observation. The average KAI value for each pack in August was more than 2 signs/km. The summer population was estimated at 16-22 individuals in the study area. Snow census results indicated 21-24 wolves in December 2006 and 20-22 in March 2007. In 2007, three packs with pups were located by chorus listening, and the presence of a fourth pack was deemed likely. All KAI averages for August for the 4 packs were above 0.5 signs/km, 3 being over 1 sign/km. We estimate that there were 27-39 wolves in the study area in summer