Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The Swedish wolf population is like continue to grow and this will eventually lead to an increase in the predation of livestock. In Sweden carnivore attacks happen most frequent on sheep farms and the majority of these attacks are performed by wolves. Because of this, the main focus in this study is on the sheep and wolf problematic.

It is not only the direct killing of livestock that affects the animals and their owners in a negative way. It has also been shown that livestock that lives close to carnivores sometimes change their behaviour in a way that will affect their ability to reproduce and to forage efficiently. Carnivores may also originate stress among livestock which in worst case scenario can lead to stress related diseases like ulcer, arteriosclerosis and heart attacks. Besides from the economic losses and the reduced welfare of livestock, the mental well-being of the animal owner may also be lowered because of the anxiety they feel for their animals.

There are many methods that can be used to keep carnivores away from livestock. Some examples are electric fences, fladdry, guardian dogs, protection collars, bonding of sheep to cattle, translocation of carnivores and hunting. The using of guardian dogs is a new phenomenon in Sweden and has not yet been used on many farms, maybe because education of the dogs is difficult and time consuming. Electric fencing is the method that is used to the greatest extent in Sweden and is considered to be the most effective way to prevent carnivore attacks. The introduction of these methods might decrease the need for hunting and at the same time increase the acceptance of wolves and other large carnivores in Sweden.