Human-carnivore conflict in the north-eastern Italian pre-Alps: a preliminary assessment

Introduction: Conflicts between carnivores and livestock activities represent one of the main causes which have led to the decline of several carnivore species around the globe. In Italy, the legal protection of grey wolves (Canis lupus) (occurred in 1971) besides with the ecological restoration of mountainous territories (i.e., abandonment of rural areas and return of wild preys) promoted the recovery of the species in most of its former range. Extensive grazing practices in mountainous areas represent an important part of the cultural heritage and provide important ecosystem services (e.g., food, carbon recycling, habitat and biodiversity conservation). However, the recent return of the wolf in Alpine and pre-Alpine territories have led to an increased number of attacks towards livestock species, thus reducing the degree of tolerance towards this predator. The purposes of this preliminary study were (i) to assess the degree of conflict between wolves and extensive husbandry practices in the north-eastern Italian pre-Alps through the estimation of the minimal number of wolves inhabiting the Asiago highlands and the intensity of predation events towards livestock species, and (ii) to assess farmers perception about wolf presence. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the Asiago highlands (Veneto Region, north-eastern Italian pre-Alps) during 2019. Estimation of the minimum number of wolves living within the area was obtained using non-invasive monitoring methods (i.e., linear transects, snow-tracking, camera-trapping). Data related to predation events towards domestic species were obtained using information collected during censuses performed by the Provincial Police, Wildlife Technicians and University Researchers from 2017 to 2019. At last, information regarding farmers perception towards wolf presence was obtained using a telematic anonymous questionnaire that was sent to 40 farmers who have been renting a public Alpine pasture during the last six years, at the very least. Results: Data collected using non-invasive monitoring methods during 2019 allowed us to confirm the presence of at least two wolf packs in the Asiago highlands occupying the northern (min = 12 ind.) and southern territory (min = 7 ind.), respectively. Predation events varied among years (n = 14 in 2017; n = 75 in 2018; n = 54 in 2019) and an almost significant increase (R2 = 0.12, p = 0.05) was recorded. Nevertheless, a decrease of about 35% (n = 26) of the attacks was recorded in 2019. A significant correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) was found between the number of predation events and the overall number of killed individuals per species. The highest number of predations occurred to the detriment of cattle (n = 84, 60.00%), followed by sheep and goats (n = 39, 27.86%) and horses (n = 20, 14.29%). In terms of killed specimens, ovicaprids represented the most predated species (n = 191, 64.31%, 4.90 ind./attack), followed by cattle (n = 86, 28.96%, 1.02 ind./attack) and horses (n = 20, 6.73%, 1.00 ind./attack). As far farmers perception is concerned, 20 responded to the questionnaire and, among these, 65% (n = 13) declared to have suffered predation events from 2017 to 2019. 90% (n = 18) stated that the workload increased within such period, while 65% (n = 13) declared that the use of fences for animals’ containment increased as well. However, 90% (n = 18) stated that mitigation measures used were neither sustainable nor effective in reducing the attacks. Furthermore, 80% (n = 16) noticed a remarkable change in livestock behaviour in terms, for instance, of increased vigilance and avoidance of dense canopy-covered areas. Conclusion: The results presented in this study highlights the existence of a wolf-livestock conflict in the Asiago highlands. In this sense, the synergistic participation of local authorities and research institutes should be further implemented to elaborate novel and effective mitigation measures aimed at reducing the number of attacks and promoting, hence, the maintenance of the traditional livestock practices as well as the conservation of an apex predator within such ecological context.