Wolf and dog competition in Italy

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1983
Authors:Boitani, L
Journal:Acta Zoologica Fennica
Volume:174
Pagination:259-264
Date Published:1983
Keywords:Canis lupus
Abstract:

Out of the 3.5 million domestic dogs Canis familiaris living in Italy, c850 000 are free to move in and out of villages. These are an immense reservoir to the 80 000 feral dogs whose biology is very much like that of wolves C. lupus. In wolf areas, with a mean density of c1 wolf/100km2, there are 150-310 free-ranging dogs/100km2 and 24-82 feral dogs/100km2, densities increasing from central to S Italy. Direct and indirect competition of different sorts result: competition for food, as both wolves and dogs feed mainly at the open dumps outside villages and to a less extent on livestock; competition for range, as movements of loners and young wolves in search of new territories are limited by the presence of packs of up to 20-25 dogs; 'genetic' competition, as loners and isolated female wolves may interbreed with dogs and their offspring be more fitted to the Italian environment than wolves, due to their dog-like look. Consequences for wolf conservation are discussed.-Author"

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