Food habits of wolves Canis lupus in Latvia

被引:41
作者
Andersone, A [1 ]
Ozolins, J [1 ]
机构
[1] State Forest Serv, LV-1932 Riga, Latvia
来源
ACTA THERIOLOGICA | 2004年 / 49卷 / 03期
关键词
Canis lupus; diet; scat and stomach analysis; Latvia;
D O I
10.1007/BF03192534
中图分类号
Q95 [动物学];
学科分类号
071002 ;
摘要
Diet of wolves Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 in Latvia was studied from 1997 to 2001 based on 302 seats and 107 stomachs. Wild ungulates (cervids and wild boar Sus scrofa) and beaver Castor fiber were the dominant prey. Cervids were found in 50% of samples (62% biomass), wild boar in 25% (21% biomass), beavers in 14% (12% biomass). Wolves selected for wild boar, especially in winter when its ratio in the diet increased to 34% from 20% in summer. It was a more common prey species in the east of the country. The ratio of beavers, small rodents and plant food was higher in summer, which resulted in a broader food niche in summer than in winter (B = 2.53 versus 1.81, respectively). The role of domestic animals in the wolf diet was minimal except for winter when they were consumed as carrion (13%). More than 1/3 of all stomachs investigated were empty. The average weight of stomach contents was 972.8 g. The importance of the beaver as an alternative prey is discussed. We conclude that wolves in Latvia prey mainly on wild animals and conflicts with livestock owners are only occasional and/or local.
引用
收藏
页码:357 / 367
页数:11
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