Management Models Applied to the Human-Wolf Conflict in Agro-Forestry-Pastoral Territories of Two Italian Protected Areas and One Spanish Game Area

Our work shows that, despite the persistence of persecutory actions, conservation activity has proved successful for the return of numerous wild mammals to different habitats, including the wolf. The human-wolf conflict is still described in all countries where the wolf is present. This is evidenced by the high number of damages on livestock, and the corpses of wolves found both in protected areas and in those where hunting is permitted. The diagnosis of road accidents, together with poisoning and poaching, are major causes of mortality. Although hunting records the highest percentage of kills in Spain, the demographic stability reported by the censuses suggests that this activity does not have a consistent influence on the Iberian wolf population's survival. In Italy, where wolf hunting is prohibited, wolf populations are to be increasing. In some Italian situations, wolf attacks on horses seem to cause unwanted damage to foals, but they represent a very precious source of information about the habits of carnivores. A simple management plan would be sufficient to help the coexistence between the productive parts and the ecosystem services ensured by the presence of the wolf. The presence of hybrids is a negative factor.

LOBO IBÉRICO Y TURISMO EN LA “ESPAÑA VACIADA” / / / \ \ \ IBERIAN WOLF AND TOURISM IN THE “EMPTIED RURAL SPAIN”

Resumen. El presente estudio analiza la actividad turística de observación del lobo ibérico en España como alternativa a otras modalidades turísticas tradicionales en zonas rurales. La experiencia propia dentro del sector ha sido crucial para entender sus dinámicas y elaborar este trabajo. En él se estudia la tendencia al alza del turismo de naturaleza en general y de la observación del lobo ibérico en particular, se describe el modus operandi de la actividad y se exponen sus principales impactos. El turismo lobero propicia por lo general beneficios para la población local en términos económicos, ambientales y socioculturales. Su compatibilidad con el medio y las características intrínsecas de la actividad, muy ligadas a un turismo sostenible, fresco, offline, convierten a este sector en una interesante herramienta para revertir el vaciado demográfico, económico y social de algunas áreas de España. Palabras clave: Lobo ibérico, turismo de observación de fauna salvaje, educación ambiental, desarrollo local, inteligencia territorial, España. Abstract. The present study analyzes the tourist activity of observation of the Iberian wolf in Spain as an alternative to other traditional tourist modalities in rural areas. The own experience within the sector has been crucial to understand its dynamics and develop this work. It studies the upward trend of nature tourism in general and the observation of the Iberian wolf in particular, the modus operandi of the activity is described and its main impacts are exposed. Wolf tourism generally provides benefits for the local population in economic, environmental and socio-cultural terms. Its compatibility with the environment and the intrinsic characteristics of the activity closely linked to a sustainable, fresh and offline tourism turns this sector into an interesting tool to mitigate the demographic, economic and social emptying of some areas of Spain. Key words: Iberian wolf, wildlife tourism, environmental education, local development, territorial intelligence, Spain.

A Morphological and Morphometric Dental Analysis as a Forensic Tool to Identify the Iberian Wolf (Canis Lupus Signatus)

Depredation by the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is currently thought to be a problem in some areas of Spain. However, there are few technically validated forensic tools available to determine the veracity of claims with a high degree of scientific confidence, which is important given that such attacks may lead to compensation. The analysis of bite marks on attacked animals could provide scientific evidence to help identify the offender. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the morphological and morphometric characteristics of Iberian wolf dentition. This data collection would serve as a base-point for a more accurate identification of the wolves thorough their bite marks. For the first time, 36 dental variables have been studied in wolves’ skulls, employing univariate and multivariate analyses. The general morphological dental characteristics of wolves are very similar in terms of their dental formula and tooth structure to other canids, like domestic dogs. Sex differentiation was evident, principally in terms of the maxillary distance between the palatal surfaces of the canine teeth (UbC) and the width of the left mandibular canine teeth (LlCWd). New morphometric reference information was obtained that can aid the forensic identification of bite marks caused by the Iberian wolf with greater confidence.