Potential population density in wolves Canis lupus in Belarus
2012
Sidorovich, V.E., National Academy of Sciences (Belarus). The Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources | Sysa, G.I., Polesye Radioecological Reserve (Belarus) | Solovej, I.A., National Academy of Sciences (Belarus). The Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources
This paper is the first attempt to estimate one of the most essential parameters of resource demands in grey wolves (Canis lupus). It is potential population density that correspond habitat carrying capacity (necessary food supply and territory). Census of wolves under the conditions of naturally forming of the species population structure out of persecution by human were conducted in Chernobyl zone (no hunting permitted) and Naliboki Forest (nearly half of the terrain was reserve with no hunting permitted), and the data gained shows this potential level of the wolf population density and habitat carrying capacity for the species. Data on wolf numbers in Naliboki Forest in winters 2009-2011 and in Chernobyl zone in winter 2010-2011 are relevant to investigate the question. Prey supply in both terrains was fairly rich. Research data indicate that in Belarus in the conditions of forested terrain that is densily populated by wild ungulates and beavers, wolves tend to occupy with the following spatial population structure in winter.
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