Home ranges, movements, and activity of wolves (Canis lupus) in the Dalmatian part of Dinarids, Croatia

• Published in: European journal of wildlife research 2005-12, Vol.51 (4), p.254-262
• Main Authors: Kusak, Josip, Skrbinšek, Aleksandra Majić, Huber, Djuro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Canis lupus; Dalmatian; grazing; Habitat utilization; Habitats; home range; humans; seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; sheep; summer; winter; Wolves
• ISSN: 1612-4642; 1439-0574
• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-005-0111-2

Home-range sizes, movements, and daily activity of wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) were studied in Dalmatia, Croatia in 1998–2001. The total home ranges (100% MCP) of two packs were 160 km² and 141 km², mean=150.5 km². Core areas (50% kernel) were 26.2 km² and 3.3 km², respectively. Differences in core area sizes were influenced by human activity—hunting and sheep grazing. Compared with random locations, wolf locations were closer to the nearest water source (mean=937 m) and farther from houses (mean=653 m). Wolves were significantly more active during the night than during the day (activity indexes were 0.53 vs. 0.35), and night activity was higher during summer (0.58), and lower during winter (0.48). A correlation was found between distances traveled and activity index (r=0.58, p=0.003). Home range, seasonal variations in home-range size, habitat use, and activity of wolves in Dalmatia were oriented to make the compromise from danger of proximity to humans and also to benefit from human-related food sources.