Ricerc@Sapienza

Movements of wide-ranging animals such as large carnivores (e.g. wolves, bears) may be affected in human-modified landscapes to an extent that is currently unknown. The recent recovery of wolves (Canis lupus) throughout the Apennine chain in Italy, combined with recent advances in remote telemetry techniques (i.e., Global Positioning System, GPS) offers an unprecedented opportunity to study and compare wolf space-use patterns wolves across a latitudinal, ecological, and anthropogenic gradient across the entire Apennines chain. In this project, capitalizing on extensive GPS location datasets collected from wolves in at least three different study areas (southern Apennines: Pollino National Park; central Apennines: Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park; northern Apennines: Tosco-Emiliano National Park), we aim to: (a) estimate home-range size and configuration of resident wolf packs as well as space-use patterns of transient wolves; (b) determine, on a seasonal basis, the relative role that ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors have in shaping home-range location, size, and configuration; (c) develop a Species Distribution Model across the entire Apennine chain based on long-time established wolf packs; (d) describe long-distance dispersal movements and model their environmental and anthropogenic correlates to identify the most relevant areas of functional connectivity across the Apennines, and (e) compare space-use patterns by resident vs rehabilitated wolves to assess the outcome and the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions. By integrating into a Geographical Information System the most updated statistical and modelling techniques, we aim to point out patterns of animal movement at various scales. This knowledge is critical not only to enhance our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of large carnivores living at close quarters with humans, but also to adequately plan their conservation while reducing chances of conflict with humans.