The burned area caused by wildfires and burnings over a decade, together with areas of greater human presence, are negatively affecting the presence of the Iberian wolf south of the Douro River. A recent study shows that while fires and human pressure drive the species away, shrubland areas play a crucial role as refuges and potential feeding grounds.
The most recent work conducted by the Wildlife Unit (UVS) of CESAM/DBIO reveals that the accumulation of burned area over the ten years of the study has a significant negative impact on the presence of the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in central Portugal. The research also warns that successive wildfires and burnings (both controlled and uncontrolled) mainly affect shrubland areas, a habitat that the study identifies as essential for the persistence of this protected species.
At the same time, the results also indicate that wolves tend to avoid areas with greater human presence. This is related to a context of high levels of conflict, associated with damage caused to livestock producers and the resulting persecution perceived in the region. Although difficult to measure, this situation is reflected in the small number of wolves identified.
The combination of a high accumulated burned area with areas of higher human presence even leads wolves to select habitats of lower quality for the species, forcing them to seek a balance between distance from humans and a less suitable landscape.
Given these results, the researchers suggest land management practices more suited to the species. Among the main recommendations are a strong reduction in burned areas and the promotion of regeneration and natural succession of native vegetation in areas distant from settlements. This type of management would allow the growth of forests that are more resilient to fire, create refuge for wolves and their wild prey, and consequently move this predator away from areas of conflict with local communities, potentially reducing damage.
Over the last 15 years, the University of Aveiro has carried out monitoring work on the Iberian wolf population south of the Douro River. Through the collection of signs of presence, such as feces, later validated by genetic analyses, researchers are able to confirm the presence of the species. Camera traps are also used to confirm the existence of packs, detect breeding events, and count individuals.
Although the number of wolves in the region remains low, researchers emphasize that the species still has a future. To achieve this, efforts should be made to maintain close contact with local communities, ensuring clear, relevant, and up-to-date communication about the population’s status and the conservation measures underway. It is also necessary to enhance the value of the territory, particularly shrubland areas, making it more diverse and economically viable. Finally, it is extremely important to reform the compensation system for damage caused by wolves, making it faster, simpler, and more transparent, reducing the bureaucratic burden for livestock farmers and promoting better coexistence between local communities and wolves.
Livestock without adequate protective measures to prevent wolf attacks. The absence of livestock guardian dogs or a shepherd, as well as inadequate fencing, are frequently observed situations in the region. © Dário Hipólito.
Livestock protected by appropriate preventive measures to avoid wolf attacks. In mountain areas with extensive grazing, the use of at least one livestock guardian dog is encouraged to protect herds. © Dário Hipólito.
Adult Iberian wolf recorded using a camera trap. © UVS/ACHLI.
Iberian wolf pups recorded using a camera trap in a managed forest area. These forestry activities were carried out during the breeding season and within the safety perimeter of a previously identified breeding site. © UVS/ACHLI.
Adult Iberian wolf recorded using a camera trap. © UVS/ACHLI.
Wolf pup photographed using a camera trap. © UVS/ACHLI.
Burned area resulting from controlled and uncontrolled burnings. © Dário Hipólito.
Burned area resulting from controlled burning. © Dário Hipólito.
Article published in the journal Scientific Reports and available here.
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