Distribución y Aspectos Poblacionales del Lobo Ibérico (Canis lupus signatus) en las Provincias de Pontevedra y A Coruña (Galicia)/Distribution and Population Aspects of the Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in the Provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña (Galicia, Spain).

Abstract

Wolf distribution range in Pontevedra and A Coruña provinces (north-west of the Iberian Peninsula) was determined by field surveys involving sampling routes to locate wolf signs and by questionnaires sent to agents of the Regional Government of Galicia’s Nature Conservation Service and to game societies in the study area. Results were recorded using 10x10 UTM squares. Wolf presence was detected in 67.05% of the squares in the study area, wolf distribution range in both provinces being estimated at approximately 9,600 km2 (6,400 km2 in A Coruña province and 3,200 km2 in Pontevedra province). Wolf distribution is continuous between both provinces, covering mainly the Dorsal Gallega mountain system and the west of A Coruña province. The latter is connected with the rest of the wolf distribution range in Galicia via the north of Pontevedra province. The entire study area was surveyed using 10x10 squares. The areas where most signs were recorded were selected for howling stations and observation points in order to locate packs (cubs and adults). We detected 29 packs (14 and 15 in A Coruña and Pontevedra provinces, respectively), with breeding being confirmed in 52% of them. Population size was estimated at 87-129 wolves in A Coruña province (1.36-2.02 wolves/100 Km2) and 95-140 wolves in Pontevedra province (2.97-4.38 wolves/100 km2). Areas with high wolf density (core populations) were chiefly along the Dorsal Gallega mountain system. Some packs were in highly humanized areas, which may explain why the main cause of the deaths recorded between January 2000 and October 2003 (n=29) was road collision (n=21).