Academic literature on the topic 'Canis lupus L'

Two types of wolves, gray ( Canis lupus L., 1758) and eastern ( Canis lupus lycaon Schreber, 1775 or Canis lycaon ) or Great Lakes wolves, representing Old World (OW) and New World (NW) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes, have been reported in eastern Canada and the Great Lakes region. Both haplotypes were found in Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Forest, Manitoba. Only OW haplotypes have been reported from the isolated Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP), 30 km to the south. Wolves with NW haplotypes hybridize with C. lupus and coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) and could mediate gene flow between canids. We examined available data on wolf body mass, skull morphology, and mtDNA from the RMNP region, as well as mtDNA from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, to assess the occurrence of NW haplotypes in wolves and possible canid hybridization. Mean body mass of female (n = 54) and male (n = 42) RMNP wolves during 1985–1987 was higher than that of females (n = 12) and males (n = 8) during 1999–2004. Thirteen skull measures from 29 wolf skulls did not suggest significant differences between RMNP and Duck Mountain wolves. Nineteen of 20 RMNP samples had OW haplotypes, whereas one clustered together with NW haplotypes.

Wild canids are globally recognised as hosts and reservoirs of a large number of ecto- and endoparasites. Data that reveal the importance of the grey wolf (Canis lupus L.1758) in the spread of hepatozoonosis are very scarce. There are a large number of different potential host species that can be infected by Hepatozoon canis, but the most common are domestic and wild carnivores, such as dogs, jackals, foxes, and wolves. In this study, the epidemiological significance of the grey wolf as a host for the pathogen was analysed for the first time in Serbia, as well as the genetic variability of H. canis. The presence of H. canis in wolf spleens has been demonstrated using molecular methods. A total of 107 wolf spleen samples from 30 localities in Serbia were analysed. The presence of H. canis was confirmed in 62 (57.94%) individuals from 26 out of 30 localities. According to the analysis, the sampled H. canis sequences were found to be characterised by a certain heterogeneity. Based on five mutated nucleotide sites in the sequences, H. canis could be divided into five sequence types, S1 to S5. The five sequence types can potentially circulate in grey wolf populations as well as among other domestic and wild canids. This study is the first confirmation of the presence of H. canis in grey wolf populations in Serbia. Considering that the role of this vector-borne disease is poorly researched in wild carnivores, it is very important to indicate the role of this species in the circulation of this pathogen in natural ecosystems.

Abstract The available scientific literature was reviewed to assess the taxonomic standing of North American wolves, including subspecies of the gray wolf, Canis lupus. The recent scientific proposal that the eastern wolf, C. l. lycaon, is not a subspecies of gray wolf, but a full species, Canis lycaon, is well-supported by both morphological and genetic data. This species' range extends westward to Minnesota, and it hybridizes with gray wolves where the two species are in contact in eastern Canada and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Genetic data support a close relationship between eastern wolf and red wolf Canis rufus, but do not support the proposal that they are the same species; it is more likely that they evolved independently from different lineages of a common ancestor with coyotes. The genetic distinctiveness of the Mexican wolf Canis lupus baileyi supports its recognition as a subspecies. The available genetic and morphometric data do not provide clear support for the recognition of the Arctic wolf Canis lupus arctos, but the available genetic data are almost entirely limited to one group of genetic markers (microsatellite DNA) and are not definitive on this question. Recognition of the northern timber wolf Canis lupus occidentalis and the plains wolf Canis lupus nubilus as subspecies is supported by morphological data and extensive studies of microsatellite DNA variation where both subspecies are in contact in Canada. The wolves of coastal areas in southeastern Alaska and British Columbia should be assigned to C. lupus nubilus. There is scientific support for the taxa recognized here, but delineation of exact geographic boundaries presents challenges. Rather than sharp boundaries between taxa, boundaries should generally be thought of as intergrade zones of variable width.

The remains of 12 canid species that date back ca. 4.9 myr have been found at 116 paleontological localities. Among these localities, eight are dated to the Pliocene age, 12 are dated to the Early Pleistocene age, 12 are from the Middle Pleistocene age, while the most numerous group includes 84 sites from the Late Pleistocene–Holocene age. Some, especially older forms such as Eucyon odessanus and Nyctereutes donnezani, have only been found at single sites, while the remains of species from the genus Lycaon, Canis and Vulpes have been recorded at numerous sites from the last 2 myr. Ancient canids such as Eucyon and Nyctereutes had already vanished from Poland in the Earliest Pleistocene, between 2.5 and 2.2 myr ago. Poland’s extant canid fauna is characterised by the presence of two new species, which spread into the territory due to a human introduction (Nyctereutes procyonoides) or natural expansion (Canis aureus). Research indicates a strong competition between dogs, especially between Lycaon, Canis and Cuon, with a strong lycaon-limiting effect on the wolf between 2.5 and 0.4 myr ago. After the extinction of Lycaon lycaonoides, Canis lupus evolved rapidly, increasing in number and size, and taking over the niche occupied by Lycaon. In order to reduce competition, the body size of Cuon alpinus gradually reduced, and it became an animal adapted to the forest, highland and mountain environments. Generally, the history of canids in Poland is similar to that known of Eurasia with some noteworthy events, such as the early occurrence of Canis cf. etruscus from Węże 2 (2.9–2.6 myr ago), Lycaon falconeri from Rębielice Królewskie 1A or one of the latest occurrences of L. lycaonoides from Draby 3 (430–370 kyr). Predominantly lowland or upland in the southern part and devoid of significant ecological barriers, Poland is also an important migration corridor in the East–West system. This 500–600 km wide corridor was the Asian gateway to Europe, from where species of an eastern origin penetrated the continent’s interior. In colder periods, it was in turn a region through which boreal species or those associated with the mammoth steppe retreated.

Наведено результати досліджень Canis lupus L. на території Кримського півострова. Проаналізовано історичні та сучасні характеристики кількісного складу поголів’я виду. Визначено основні центри концентрації вовків. Досліджено раціон вовка, розглянуто умови, що впливають на поширення виду. З’ясовано, що у наш час вовк у Криму вже досяг території передгір’я.

When large carnivores are extirpated from ecosystems that evolved with apex predators, these systems can change at the herbivore and plant trophic levels. Such changes across trophic levels are called cascading effects and they are very important to conservation. Studies on the effects of reintroduced wolves in Yellowstone National Park have examined the interaction pathway of wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) to ungulates to plants. This study examines the interaction effects of wolves to coyotes to rodents (reversing mesopredator release in the absence of wolves). Coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) generally avoided areas near a wolf den. However, when in the proximity of a den, they used woody habitats (pine or sage) compared with herbaceous habitats (grass or forb or sedge)– when they were away from the wolf den. Our data suggested a significant increase in rodent numbers, particularly voles (genus Microtus Schrank, 1798), during the 3-year study on plots that were within 3 km of the wolf den, but we did not detect a significant change in rodent numbers over time for more distant plots. Predation by coyotes may have depressed numbers of small mammals in areas away from the wolf den. These factors indicate a top–down effect by wolves on coyotes and subsequently on the rodents of the area. Restoration of wolves could be a powerful tool for regulating predation at lower trophic levels.

The taxonomic identity of the historical and current wolf ( Canis lupus L., 1758 or Canis lycaon Schreber, 1775 or their hybrids) population in Minnesota (MN) and the Great Lakes region has been, and continues to be, controversial. So too does its legal status under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This review summarizes the morphological and genetic information about that population and concludes that historically the MN population consisted of a gray wolf (C. lupus) in the west and an eastern type ( Canis lupus lycaon or C. lycaon) in the east with intergrades or hybrids between the two in most of the state. After extirpation in much of its original MN range, the now-recovered population was infused with gray wolves from Ontario but still consists of hybrid lycaon × gray wolves, probably with higher content gray wolves in the west and higher content lycaon in the east but with most wolves morphologically appearing to be gray wolves. Because the current Wisconsin and Michigan wolf population was derived from MN wolves, they would be primarily hybrids as well. Future research should seek to relate genetic data with morphological measurements in MN wolves. In addition, attempts to breed coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) with gray wolves in captivity would shed considerable light on the controversy over the origin and taxonomic identity of the newly proposed C. lycaon.

The grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) is the most widespread large carnivore in Europe with large populations in the Eastern part of Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. In this study, a total of 102 wolves were examined for intestinal helminth parasites. The carcasses were collected within the Serbian part of the wolf’s range during the period 2009–2014. Nine helminth species were found: one nematode, Toxocara canis (3.9%), one trematode, Alaria alata (1.0%), and seven cestodes, Taenia pisiformis (1.0%), T. hydatigena (9.8%), T. polyacantha (2.9%), T. taeniaeformis (2.0%), T. (syn. Multiceps) multiceps (3.9%), T. serialis (1.0%) and Mesocestoides litteratus (1.0%). Taenia (syn. Hydatigera) taeniaeformis has been registered for the first time in a wolf from Europe. An overall moderate prevalence (16.7%) of infected wolves was recorded. There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between sexes. Of the years studied, the highest prevalence was found in 2014 (57.1%). The maximum number of helminth species per host specimen was four.

Nuolat besikeičiančios aplinkos sąlygos lemia naujų tyrimų poreikį. Nemažai žinių apie Lietuvos vilkus yra pasenusios ir nebeatitinka dabartinės būklės. Moksliniam vilko populiacijos valdymo pagrindimui Lietuvoje reikia atnaujinti kai kuriuos duomenis bei atlikti papildomus tyrimus. Dalis šių darbų yra būtini, planuojant populiacijos valdymą ir apsaugą. Tikslas ir uždaviniai. Šio darbo tikslas – išsiaiškinti, kokią įtaką Lietuvos vilkų populiacijai daro aplinkos veiksniai, bei pateikti duomenis, reikalingus vilkų populiacijos valdymo planavimui. Tyrimo tikslui pasiekti išsikelti šie uždaviniai: 1. išsiaiškinti Lietuvos vilkų populiacijos kokybę pagal bioindikatorius; 2. iširti vilkų grynarūšiškumą; 3. įvertinti abiotinių, biotinių bei antropogeninių veiksnių įtaką vilkų pasiskirstymui pagal gausą biotopuose; 4. išaiškinti svarbesnius veiksnius, lemiančius vilkų teritorijos pasirinkimą. Naujumas ir originalumas. Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje įvertintas populiacijos grynumas pagal morfologinius požymius ir pagal juos nustatyti pavieniai vilko ir šuns hibridai. Pagal vilkų sumedžiojimo vietas, pirmą kartą Lietuvoje GIS technologijų pagalba išnagrinėti įvairūs abiotiniai, biotiniai ir antropogeniai veiksniai, galintys įtakoti vilkų biotopinį pasiskirstymą šalyje. Pasiūlyta, bendrą (skiriamą visai šaliai) sumedžiojimo limitą skirstyti regionais, priklausomai nuo vilkų daromos žalos, bei leisti trumpalaikę medžioklę žalos padarymo vietovėje ne medžioklės sezono laikotarpiu. Mokslinė ir... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
A considerable amount of the data on wolves in Lithuania is out of date and is not representative of the current situation. To ensure that management of the wolf population in Lithuania is underpinned by a scientific methodology, some data needs to be updated and additional research conducted. This is a prerequisite to planning the management of the population and its protection. The objective and tasks. The objective of this work is to discover what influence environment factors have on the population of wolves of Lithuania and to present the data necessary for planning the management of the wolf population. To achieve this objective, the following tasks shall be tackled: To discover the true condition of the wolf population in Lithuania according to bio-indicators; To examine the purity of the species; To evaluate the influence of abiotic and biotic factors, as well as anthropogenic factors, on the distribution of wolves in terms of abundance in the biotopes; To discover additional important factors that influence the selection of wolf territories. Novelty and originality. An evaluation of the purity of the wolf population based on morphological features was conducted and single crosses between wolf and dog were detected for the first time in Lithuania. In areas of wolf hunting, different abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors that may influence the biotopic distribution of wolves were analysed with a help of GIS technologies for the first time in Lithuania. A... [to full text]

In this work is researching the behaviour peculiarity of wolves and the public opinion towards wolves. The aim – to investigate the wolves’ tracks and the harm of wolves to livestock in Gulbinas forest and in district of this forest; to evaluate the local public opinion towards wolves. The object –the local wolves’ population living in Gulbinas forest and neighborus lesser forests (Vileišiškiai, Vaitutiškiai, Daugmaudžiai, Skobiškiai and Aušgiriai) also agricultural land between these forests in northern part Šiauliai district. Methods – the behaviour of wolves was investigated by snow tracking method; the harm and the public opinion towards wolves were investigated by questionnaire method. Technical tools – global position estimation appliance GPS „EMAP“, computer programme ARCWIEW GIS 3.2. Results – Directional tracks of wolves may be founded in various age stands and clear cut areas. So it can be that farming in the forests does not do the substantial influence to wolves’ choice of tracks. But it’s observes the tendency, that wolves give the priority to more older stands and avoid clear cut areas. Mostly were attacked young animals up to 1 year old (76%). They make the most big part (4,8%) of livestock killed through the year from the all number of young livestock. Mostly livestock were attacked during July - August (76%), less during Sepember – (24%).

Ovom tezom je obuhvaćena analiza genetičke strukture i filogeografskog položaja vuka (Canis lupus L. 1758) na teritoriji Bosne i Hercegovine, na uzorku od ukupno 79 jedinki. Analize su sprovedene primjenom (i) 18 mikrosatelitskih lokusa nDNK pomoću kojih su detektovani: nivo genetičke varijabilnosti, populaciona struktura, prolazak populacije kroz genetičko usko grlo, te ukrštanje u srodstvu, i (ii) kontrolnog  regiona  (CR)  regiona  mtDNK  pomoću  kojih  su sprovedene filogeografske analize.  U  radu  je  uočeno  je  grupisanje  jedinki  vuka  Bosne  i Hercegovine  u  dva  genetička  klastera  što,  s  obzirom  na  slabu  statističku  podržanost, najvjerovatnije  ukazuje  na  prisustvo  strukture  na  većem  nivou.  Prethodno  navedeno  je detektovano analizama populacione strukture dijela dinarsko - balkanske populacije vuka,gdje je uočena distribucija vukova Bosne i Hercegovine i Srbije u odvojene genetičke klastere. Statistički značajni signali prolaska populacije vuka Bosne i Hercegovine kroz genetičko usko grlo u skorijoj prošlosti nisu detektovani. Sekvence kontrolnog regiona mtDNK vuka pokazale su se dovoljno informativnim za detekciju jedinstvenih haplotipova vuka Bosne i Hercegovine, za  koje  je  uočena  distribucija  u  dvije,  prethodno  u  literaturi, detektovane haplogrupe bez jasnog alopatrijskog obrasca. Pored toga, analizama sekvenci dijela kontrolnog regiona mtDNK  uzorka  vuka  Evrope,  uočeno  je da se demografska ekspanzija haplogrupe 2 desila mnogo ranije u prošlosti u odnosu na period ekspanzije haplogrupe 1, koji se poklapa sa periodom razdvajanja navedenih haplogrupa, prije oko 13000 godina, što ukazuje da je posljednji glacijalni maksimum imao uticaja u oblikovanju strukture genetičkih linija vuka u prošlosti. Rezultati dobijeni u ovom istraživanju su veoma informativni u cilju uspostavljanja pravilnog menadžmenta vrste i kreiranja plana zaštite vuka na nivou Bosne i Hercegovine, odnosno, na nivou dinarsko - balkanske populacije vuka iz koje se vrše rekolonizacije jedinki u susjedne populacije.
In this thesis, the genetic structure and phylogeography of the wolf (Canis L. 1758) in the territory of Bosnia and Hercegovina were analysed, from a total sample of 79 individuals. Analyses were conducted by applying (i) 18 microsatellite loci of nuclear DNA, by which we estimated: the level of genetic  variability, population structure, kinship, bottleneck and inbreeding, and (ii) control region of mtDNA by which we analysed phylogeography. Two genetic clusters were observed for the wolf population  from Bosnia and Hercegovina, although with statistically low support, which may point to structuring at the higher level. Indeed, after analysing the population structure at the higher, Dinaric - Balkan level, the distribution of wolves  from Bosnia and Hercegovina and  Serbia was observed as falling into two distinct genetic clusters. Statistically significant signs of the recent bottleneck were not observed in the wolf  population from Bosnia and Hercegovina. Analyses of control region mtDNA were conducted with the aim of detecting haplotypes in the Bosnia and Hercegovina population, as well as in the European  samples. Distribution of  haplotypes into two haplogroups, described in previous literature, was  observed, without a clear alopatric phylogeny pattern. Furthermore, the analyses of the same  molecular marker showed that demographic expansion of haplogroup 2 occurred significantly earlier when compared to the demographic explosion of haplogroup 1 . Results from this study are extremely  important for the creation of a management plan for wolves from Bosnia and Hercegovina, and at the higher Dinaric - Balkan level.

Tesis por compendio de publicaciones
BJETIVOS 1. Evaluar de forma detallada la morfología del intestino delgado en el perro y su relación con las condiciones de seguridad necesarias para la aplicación de la EDB (artículo 1). 2. Contribuir a la caracterización de la histología normal del intestino del perro mediante la cuantificación sistemática del grosor de sus túnicas (artículo 2). 3. Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la técnica de EDB en el perro tanto vía oral (artículo 3) como vía anal (artículo 4). METODOLOGÍA El diseño de la tesis se fundamenta en 2 fases experimentales, la primera en cadáveres de perro, y la segunda in vivo. Un total de 55 cadáveres de perro fueron empleados para el estudio anatómico/morfométrico del intestino delgado (objetivo 1, artículo 1). De esos 55 animales, 41 también fueron utilizados para el estudio histológico/morfométrico del intestino delgado (objetivo 2, artículo 2). Para la fase experimental in vivo, se emplearon un total de 21 perros sin historial de enfermedad digestiva. Las exploraciones enteroscópicas se realizaron con un enteroscopio terapéutico de doble balón (EN-450T5, Fujinón®) tanto por vía oral (objetivo 3, artículo 3), como anal (objetivo 4, artículo 4). Los dos balones del equipo son inflados y desinflados alternativamente para permitir el progreso del endoscopio (maniobra de empuje) o plegamiento del intestino detrás de los balones (maniobra de rectificación). CONCLUSIONES 1. El estudio anatómico del intestino delgado ha permitido validar la especie canina como adecuada para la EDB siempre que se respeten las posibles limitaciones impuestas por el diámetro del lumen intestinal en animales de pequeño tamaño. La longitud del antebrazo fue el parámetro corporal con mayor asociación con el diámetro del intestino, y por ende el mejor estimador del tamaño mínimo requerido para la EDB en el perro. 2. Los resultados obtenidos sobre el rango de grosor normal de las diferentes túnicas a lo largo de todo el intestino delgado del perro constituyen la primera referencia publicada de estas características, con lo que ello puede suponer para el diagnóstico de patologías del intestino delgado a partir de de biopsias endoscópicas, ultrasonidos, muestras obtenidas por laparoscopia o postmortem. El sexo debe ser tenido en cuenta como fuente de variación del grosor de las túnicas intestinales. 3. Se ha demostrado que la EDB tanto por vía oral como anal es factible y segura en la especie canina. Los resultados aportados sobre la dinámica de exploración son importantes pues aportan valores de referencia para el empleo futuro de la EDB con fines diagnósticos o de tratamiento de enfermedades en porciones profundas del intestino delgado. 4. La exploración completa del intestino delgado del perro mediante EDB no ha sido posible ni por vía oral ni anal. Sin embargo, dado el interés que ello puede tener en el diagnóstico de algunas enfermedades del intestino delgado, serían necesarios nuevos estudios en los que se plantee la combinación de ambas vías.
OBJETIVES 1. To study in detail the morphology of the small intestine in the dog so as to evaluate whether it accomplishes the security conditions required for the double balloon enteroscopy. 2. To contribute to characterize the normal histology of the dog´s small intestine by quantifying the thickness of its layers. 3. To characterize the efficiency and safety of the double balloon enteroscopy in the dog by both the oral and anal approaches. METHODS This work was carried out in two experimental phases. The first one in cadavers and the second in vivo. 55 dog cadavers were used for anatomical (morphometric) study (objective 1, article 1), while 41 of them were used for histological (morphometric) study of the small intestine (objective 2, article 2). For the in vivo experimental phase (DBE), 21 dogs without history of digestive diseases were used. DBE were carried out with a therapeutic enteroscope (EN-450T5, Fujinon®) either by the oral (objective 3, article 3) and the anal approaches (objective 4, article 4). Two balloons are inflated and deflated in an alternating sequence to allow the endoscope to progress (pushing phase) or fold the explored intestine behind the balloons (pulling phase). CONCLUSIONS 1. Validation of the dog as a candidate for DBE has been obtained after a thorough anatomical study of the small intestine. However, when planning DBE caution should be taken in small dogs due to potential limitations imposed by the width of the intestine. The length of the forearm showed the highest association with the diameter of the intestine so that it is the best body parameter to define the minimum body size necessary for a secure DBE in the dog. 2. The results for the thicknesses of the different layers of the small intestine given in this study are a novelty and might serve to assist the diagnosis of enteropathies by endoscopic biopsies, ultrasounds, laparoscopy and postmortem sampling. The sex should be considered as a major source of variation in intestinal thickness in the dog. 3. It has been demonstrated that both the oral and anal DBE is feasible and safe in the dog. The results for the exploration dynamics of the procedure might serve as reference values for future diagnosis and treatment of diseases in deep portions of the small intestine. 4. The complete exploration of the small intestine by DBE has not been achieved yet in the dog. Further studies with a combination of the oral and anal approaches might facilitate this goal, which could be useful for a accurate diagnosis of some enteropathies.

Darbo objektas – Šiaulių ir Telšių gyventojų nuomonė ir žinios apie vilkus. Tyrimo tikslas – išsiaiškinti Šiaulių ir Telšių miesto gyventojų žinias apie vilkų biologiją bei ištirti šių žinių poveikį tiriamųjų nuomonei apie vilkų apsaugą.. Uždaviniai: 1. Išsiaiškinti Šiaulių ir Telšių miesto gyventojų žinias apie vilkų biologiją. 2. Ištirti šių žinių poveikį tiriamųjų nuomonei apie vilkų apsaugą. 3. Remiantis atlikto tyrimo duomenimis ir jų sąsajomis su įvairių mokslų laimėjimais pateikti rekomendacijų gyventojų ir vilkų darniai koegzistencijai užtikrinti. Duomenims surinkti naudojamas anketinis metodas, kai respondentai atsako į anketoje pateiktus klausimus. Tai pusiau uždara anketa, su pateiktais atsakymų variantais ir tuščiomis eilutėmis respondento nuomonei įrašyti. Anketoje yra 19 klausimų, iš kurių 17 klausimų yra uždaro tipo, su pasirinkimo variantais, vienas klausimas atviro tipo, paliekant vietos respondentui įrašyti savo nuomonę, paskutiniam klausimui naudota Likerto skalė, kurioje respondentas nurodo ar sutinka ir kokiu lygiu su išvardintais teiginiais. Anketos įvadinėje dalyje nurodomas apklausos tikslas, anketos pildymo būdas. Demografinėje dalyje respondentų prašoma nurodyti savo lytį, amžių bei socialinę padėtį. Pagrindinėje dalyje siekiama gauti informaciją apie Šiaulių ir Telšių rajonuose gyvenančių žmonių žinias apie vilką ir kokią įtaką tos žinios daro jų nuomonei apie vilkus. Didžioji dauguma Šiaulių ir Telšių miestų gyventojų supranta vilko svarbą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
Subject of the paper: awareness and opinion of Šiauliai and Telšiai residents about wolves. Aim of the study: to find out awareness of Šiauliai and Telšiai Residents about biology of wolf and to analyse impact of the awareness on their opinion about wolf protection. Tasks: 1. To find out awareness of Šiauliai and Telšiai Residents about biology of wolf. 2. To analyse impact of the awareness on their opinion about wolf protection. 3. Basing upon the study data and its relationship with achievements of various sciences to give recommendations for assuring harmonious co-existence between people and wolves. The data was collected by means of questionnaire method, when respondents reply to the questionnaire questions. This is a semi-closed form, along with given options to choose from and blank lines to record the respondent’s opinion. The questionnaire contains 19 questions of which 17 questions are closed-ended, with a choice of options, one question is open-ended, leaving room for the respondent to record his opinion, and for the last question Likert scale is used in which the respondent indicates whether and to what extent he/she agrees/disagrees with the statements listed above. The introductory part of the questionnaire survey states purpose, filling method. In the demographic part the respondents are asked to indicate their gender, age and social status. The main section is sought to obtain information about awareness of Šiauliai and Telšiai district residents about wolf... [to full text]

In Italia il lupo (Canis lupus italicus) è recentemente passato dall’essere una specie minacciata a una specie localmente abbondante, diventando il grande carnivoro più diffuso in questo Paese. Monitorare l’abbondanza e la distribuzione di questa specie è essenziale per valutare l'evoluzione del suo stato di conservazione e coordinarne la gestione. Purtroppo, allo stato attuale non è fattibile uno studio approfondito sull'intera popolazione appenninica del lupo, per diversi motivi, quali la vastità del territorio, la frammentazione amministrativa e costi non sostenibili. Tuttavia, fornire una descrizione accurata anche solo a livello di "unità riproduttiva" (nel lupo, i branchi) in aree di studio più piccole, può essere molto utile per comprendere le dinamiche di popolazione della specie su una più larga scala e aiutare a prendere decisioni per la gestione e la conservazione del lupo. In questa tesi ho preso in considerazione la popolazione di lupi nel Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, un’area protetta dell'Appennino settentrionale, con le seguenti finalità: i) individuare i branchi con diverse tecniche e sforzi di campionamento; ii) stimare il numero dei branchi e la loro stabilità negli ultimi 17 anni; iii) indagare le esperienze e gli atteggiamenti umani nei confronti del lupo nel Parco. Il presente lavoro ha la forma di una raccolta di articoli e contiene un'introduzione generale, tre capitoli e un paragrafo conclusivo. Una versione in preparazione di un articolo di ricerca originale, riguardante gli argomenti di cui sopra, è al centro di ogni capitolo. Nel capitolo I, ho applicato in un anno un disegno di campionamento con una griglia 5x5 km e tre differenti tecniche: wolf howling, videotrappolaggio e campionamento genetico non invasivo. Mi sono concentrata sul rilevare il numero minimo di branchi riproduttivi, con due diversi livelli di sforzo, e cercando successivamente di integrare i risultati delle diverse tecniche. I miei risultati mostrano che le identificazioni dei branchi sono difficilmente comparabili se i metodi vengono utilizzati singolarmente con uno sforzo di campionamento ridotto. Questo problema diminuisce quando due o più tecniche vengono combinate insieme e scompare quando è presente uno sforzo di campionamento maggiore, ottenendo risultati coerenti e comparabili, anche con singole tecniche, e quindi anche con spese ridotte. Nel capitolo II, ho utilizzato tutti i dati raccolti attraverso il campionamento genetico non invasivo dal 2002 al 2020 per verificare se il numero dei branchi è cambiato nel corso degli anni, se le famiglie sono rimaste stabili e se c'è stata qualche minaccia alla diversità genetica. Ho trovato una popolazione numericamente sana, ancora in crescita, con famiglie di lunga durata, che mostrano una significativa filopatria femminile. Al contrario, la diversità genetica è diminuita negli ultimi anni. Nel capitolo III, ho progettato un questionario per indagare le esperienze e gli atteggiamenti umani verso il lupo, nel Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi. Ho ottenuto in generale un’inclinazione positiva delle persone verso la presenza del lupo. La maggior parte degli intervistati avevano rilevato almeno una volta la presenza del lupo, principalmente attraverso segni di presenza come tracce ed escrementi. Gli atteggiamenti sono risultati influenzati negativamente da rare esperienze negative con presenza di lupo e positivamente influenzati dal livello di conoscenza della biologia del lupo.
In Italy, the wolf (Canis lupus italicus) recently passed from being a threatened to a locally abundant species, becoming the most common large carnivore in this country. Monitoring abundance and occupancy of the wolf is an essential tool for assessing the evolution of the status of the species, the efficiency of conservation measures and coordinate management strategies. Unfortunately, a detailed study on the whole wolf Apennine population is not feasible at present, for several reasons, such as the vastness of the territory, the administrative fragmentation and the not affordable costs. However, providing an accurate description even just at a “reproductive unit scale” (packs) in selected, smaller study areas can be very insightful for an understanding the species population dynamics, and can inform management decisions for wolf conservation. In this thesis, I considered the wolf population in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, a protected area in the northern Apennines, with the following goals: i) detection of packs with different techniques and sampling efforts; ii) estimate of the number of packs and their stability in the past 17 years; iii) investigate human experiences and attitudes towards the wolf in the Park.The present work is in the form of a paper collection and contains a general introduction, three chapters and a conclusive paragraph. Draft of an original research article, dealing with the aforementioned topics, is of the core of each chapter. In chapter I, I applied a one-year sampling design using a sampling grid and three different techniques: wolf howling, camera-trapping and non-invasive genetic sampling. I focused on detecting the minimum number of reproductive packs, with two different effort levels, and trying to integrate the results of the different techniques. I show that packs’ identifications are hardly comparable if methods are used separately with a low effort. This issue subsides when two or more techniques are combined together and disappears with a higher sampling effort, yielding to consistent and comparable results, even with single techniques, and thus more affordable costs. In chapter II, I used all data collected through non-invasive genetic sampling from 2002 to 2020 to check if the number of packs has changed across the years, if families were stable and if there is any threats to genetic diversity. I found a numerically healthy, still-growing population, with long-lasting families, showing a significant female-biased philopatry. On the contrary, genetic diversity has decreased in the last years. In chapter III, I designed a questionnaire to investigate humans experiences and attitudes towards the wolf, in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. I obtained a first insight of a general positive public inclination toward wolf presence. The majority of respondents had detected at least once the wolf presence, mainly through signs of presence. Attitudes resulted negatively influenced by rare negative experiences with wolf presence and positively influenced by the level of knowledge of wolf biology.

Tese de doutoramento, Biologia (Biologia da Conservação), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2012
O Noroeste de Portugal apresenta uma heterogeneidade de habitats e uma elevada pressão humana, o que impõe um desafio à conservação do lobo. Este trabalho pretendeu obter o diagnóstico dos parâmetros populacionais e ecológicos relativos ao lobo e delinear uma estratégia para a sua conservação, através de um estudo de longa duração e com uma abordagem metodológica multidisciplinar. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram: i) um importante núcleo populacional, estimado em 89 lobos/ano; ii) uma acentuada dinâmica de extinção-recolonização ao nível local, sustentada por um número reduzido de alcateias-fonte com elevado sucesso reprodutor e situadas no Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês; iii) uma progressiva diminuição do número de alcateias reprodutoras ao longo de século XX e até 2005; iv) uma forte incidência de mortalidade por causas humanas em toda área de estudo e período temporal analisado; v) uma elevada fidelidade espacial traduzida por distâncias de dispersão curtas e pelo uso regular dos locais de reprodução ao longo de várias décadas; vi) uma elevada dependência trófica de animais domésticos, principalmente de quatro espécies pecuárias e onde os equinos possuem um papel proeminente devido à sua elevada selectividade; vii) que as alcateias que recorrem | necrofagia como estratégia de obtenção de alimento apresentam áreas vitais inferiores às exibidas por alcateias com hábitos predatórios; viii) um dos maiores impactos económicos da predação que se encontram documentados mas com uma reduzida magnitude social; ix) uma forte componente cultural do lobo junto das comunidades rurais, reflectida por exemplo, na arquitectura rural, tradição oral e na medicina tradicional. Os resultados obtidos permitiram caracterizar, de forma abrangente, este núcleo populacional de lobo que sobrevive numa estreita relação com a actividade humana. Tal possui importantes implicações na conservação aplicada, a qual deve assegurar a viabilidade populacional, a redução do conflito com humanos e a investigação aplicada à gestão.
North-western Portugal is characterized by increased habitat heterogeneity and high levels of human pressure, which pose a challenge to wolf conservation. This study aimed at providing a thorough account of wolf demographic and ecological parameters in this region, through the application of a long-term, multidisciplinary approach, in order to propose a detailed conservation strategy for this carnivore. The results obtained indicate: i) the existence of an important population nucleus, estimated at 89 wolves/year; ii) a marked extinction-recolonization dynamic at a local level, sustained by a low number of source packs with a high reproductive success, situated in Peneda-Gerês National Park; iii) a gradual reduction of the number of reproductive packs throughout the 20th century and until 2005; iv) a high mortality due to human causes in all the study area and throughout the temporal period analyzed; v) a high degree of spatial fidelity, reflected in short dispersion distances and the regular use of the same reproduction sites during several decades; vi) a high trophic dependency on domestic animals, mainly on four livestock species, among which equines are of central importance, being positively selected; vii) a visible reduction of home range in packs with scavenging habits, as compared to hunting packs; viii) one of the highest economic impacts documented due to predation, but of reduced social magnitude; ix) a strong cultural component of the wolf in rural communities reflected, for example, in rural architecture, oral tradition and traditional medicine. The results obtained allowed the comprehensive characterization of this wolf population, which survives in tight coexistence with human activities. This fact bares important implications for the applied conservation of this protected species, which should focus on guaranteeing the population viability, promoting the reduction of wolf-human conflict and endorsing management-directed scientific research.
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, PRAXIS XXI/BD/18326/98)

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a disease with a great impact on public health in Brazil due to its zoonotic potential. One of the biggest challenges in controlling the disease is the fact that its main reservoir in urban areas is the domestic dog, and thus, it is a source of infection that lives very close to the human being. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of L. chagasi and the symptoms of CVL present in dogs living near a human case confirmed by the Municipal Health Department of the municipality of Vassouras. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein of 14 resident dogs within a radius of 150 meters from a confirmed human case. This collected material was submitted to the DPP screening test, and the positive samples were submitted to the ELISA confirmatory test. Information was also obtained through questionnaires about the presence of the disease's clinical signs. Of the 14 animals tested in the DPP, only 4 were positive in the screening test, and all presented negative results in the ELISA confirmatory test. Of the 14 dogs, 4 had symptoms. Of these, 2 presented skin lesions, and 1 animal showed cough, while the last one exhibited vomiting. It is concluded that the DPP screening test for CVL is a practical and easy to handle method, although it requires attention due to the possibility of cross-reaction with other etiological agents in dogs. The human case is probably a result of a non-autochtone infection. Therefore, asymptomatic dogs should be under disease surveillance since these hosts also act as a source of infection for vector insects.