Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The recolonization of large carnivores and the advancements in Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry technology have presented unique opportunities to study movement in carnivores and how they affect ungulate dominated areas. The aim of the study was to analyse which intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact on the Scandinavian wolf population’s daily movement distance. GPS data from 29 wolves (Canis lupus) during the period 2001-2019 was analysed by generalised linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) to identify relationships between daily movement distance and explanatory variables including, time of the year, human activity, habitat, prey density, brown bear (Ursus arctos) density, intraspecific density, inbreeding coefficient and social affiliation. The results showed that the average daily movement distance in the Scandinavia wolf population was 15.4 km. The wolves’ daily movement distance was lower during the winter months (December-March) compared to April, and lower in February and March. Daily movement distance was also higher during late spring/early summer (May-June) compared to April. Human activity, measured as nighttime lights, had an increasing impact on daily movement distance, while roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) density had a decreasing impact on daily movement distance. During summer the daily movement distance increased with increasing brown bear density and inbreeding coefficient. Wolves in scent-marking pairs had a higher daily movement distance compared to wolves in family groups. The study shows that wolf movement patterns are complex and can be affected by several factors. The results have important implications in wolf management and can contribute to less conflicts between humans and wolves since it highlights factors affecting the wolves’ movement in relation to human activity.