Wolf–Hunting Dog Interactions in a Biodiversity Hot Spot Area in Northern Greece: Preliminary Assessment and Implications for Conservation in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park and Adjacent Areas

Abstract

Hunting dog depredation by wolves triggers retaliatory killing, with negative impacts on wildlife conservation. In the wider area of the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park, reports on such incidents have increased lately. To investigate this conflict, we interviewed 56 affected hunters, conducted wolf trophic analysis, analyzed trends for 2010–2020, applied MAXENT models for risk-map creation, and GLMs to explore factors related to depredation levels. Losses averaged approximately one dog per decade and hunter showing a positive trend, while livestock depredations showed a negative trend. Wolves preyed mainly on wild prey, with dogs consisting of 5.1% of the winter diet. Low altitude areas, with low to medium livestock availability favoring wolf prey and game species, were the riskiest. Dogs were more vulnerable during hare hunting and attacks more frequent during wolf post-weaning season or in wolf territories with reproduction. Hunter experience and group hunting reduced losses. Wolves avoided larger breeds or older dogs. Making noise or closely keeping dogs reduced attack severity. Protective dog vests, risk maps, and enhancing wolf natural prey availability are further measures to be considered, along with a proper verification system to confirm and effectively separate wolf attacks from wild boar attacks, which were also common.

Estimating distribution and abundance of wide‐ranging species with integrated spatial models: Opportunities revealed by the first wolf assessment in south‐central Italy

“…It also raises the issue of the complex land sharing with human activities and the impacts it may cause. While the more traditional forms of wolf impact, such as depredation on livestock, remain an issue and a source of social conflicts (Gervasi et al., 2021 , 2022 ), wolves in newly colonized and densely inhabited areas are more likely to generate different forms of negative interactions (Carter & Linnell, 2016 ), such as predation on domestic dogs and other pets (Iliopoulos et al., 2021 ; Kojola et al., 2023 ), aggressive interactions with humans (Linnell et al., 2021 ), etc. Accordingly, the reports of wolf‐killed dogs and of not fearful behaviours by wolves towards humans have been increasing in recent years (ISPRA, unpublished data).…”

Wildlife and parasitic infections: A One Health perspective in Greece

“…In these areas, free-ranging wolves coexist with various canids and wild ungulates, which constitute a significant part of their diet. Gray wolves may also be present in human-dominated landscapes, sharing their habitat with livestock, shepherd dogs, and hunting dogs, as well as feral dogs that are often found near human settlements, garbage dumps, slaughterhouses, and even in mountainous terrain ( Petridou et al, 2019 ; Iliopoulos et al, 2021 ). Additionally, a small population of formerly captivated wolves resides at the ARCTUROS Wolf Sanctuary in northern Greece, in a specially fenced area in natural oak forest ( Papadopoulos et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Apart from their impact on biodiversity, anthropogenic activities have also brought humans, domestic and wild animals closer ( Iliopoulos et al, 2021 ; Tampakis et al, 2023 ). Occasionally, this interaction results in human-wildlife conflicts, primarily occurring in rural areas.…”

“…Nonetheless, unexpected contact may also occur during outdoor activities in mountainous regions. Shepherds monitoring livestock during grazing, workers in abattoirs, veterinarians, and other support staff at Wildlife Hospitals and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres are professional groups that frequently interact with wildlife ( Iliopoulos et al, 2021 ; Vezyrakis et al, 2023 ). Hunters often encounter and have direct contact with wild animals while handling their game.…”