The project LIFE M.I.R.CO-Lupo (Minimizing the impact of canine stray dogs on the conservation of the wolf in Italy), which began in 2015, is now on its way to finishing. Funded by the LIFE program of the European Union, it will conclude, in fact, in the coming month of September with a national conference in which the results will be presented.
The webinar took stock of one of the most complex and important topics for the future of this predator, although generally not well known to the public.
The wolf population in Italy is hovering over 1500-2500 individuals (estimates are always difficult and indicative). They are present in the mountains, from Calabria to the Alps, with groups that now permanently frequent the Po valley as far as the Po.
In addition to the “usual” problems of poaching, impacts from vehicular traffic, poisonings and the “bad reputation”, which unfortunately shows no sign of diminishing, wolves today face a new sneaky enemy: the crossbreed with dogs.
Hybrids Wolf – Dog
In particular, canine stray is at the origin of mates that produce fertile hybrids and that, especially if the cross occurs between a she-wolf and a male dog, they can seriously endanger the conservation of the Wolf’s genetic heritage. Because the puppies, after being raised by the mother, join the wild herds. Among which, in fact, darker or abnormally colored individuals are increasingly seen.
It is, in fact, a form of “Unnatural hybridization” which, directly or indirectly favored by man, can transmit to the Wolf physical, behavioral and physiological characteristics of canine origin and therefore not suitable for wild life and its role as super predator.
A problem that also affects other wild species, such as the skunk or the wild cat. In the Wolf, however, it would seem to affect about 30% of the population. Although protected, every year it loses an important part of its subjects due to poaching and other anthropogenic impacts. And it is therefore constantly renewing its genetic heritage. For this reason it is essential “to test the effectiveness of management solutions to reduce the negative impact of anthropogenic hybridization” as Luigi Molinari, zoologist of the project at the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, says.
What to do
Two instruments are used. On one side neutralize the reproductive potential of hybrid Wolf-Dog individuals. On the other contain the number of stray and stray dogs present in the project areas.
“A total of 21 animals were captured – continues Molinari. 19 of these were hybrid to genetic investigation, and therefore were sterilized. In addition, in the area of activities aimed at containing canine stray dogs, over 600 animals were registered in the canine registry. As many as 57 dogs were sterilized on a voluntary basis and over 480 health treatments were carried out on farm dogs, also capturing 25 stray dogs destined for kennels ».
The objectives of this program have been achieved through twenty-eight different actions within two national parks. These are that of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and that of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, project partners together with the Carabinieri Corps, the Institute of Applied Ecology of Rome and Carsa s.r.l.
An articulated work in which, as explained by the Project Manager Willy Reggioni, the long and often creative action of communication, awareness and involvement of the local communities was added to the experimental and innovative dimension of the research on the conservation of the Wolf species. .
This is in order to create more and more those bases of conscience and knowledge able to dispel the numerous fake news and small and large taboos that still too often accompany the image of the Wolf among the general public.
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