Grey wolf (Canis lupus) predation on livestock in the Prefecture of Trikala, central Greece

The Grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the top predator in Greek ecosystems and the largest species of the Canidae family. The decline of wild ungulate populations has resulted in changing the wolf food habits, with livestock being its main food resource. In this study we analyzed wolf predation on livestock of Trikala Prefecture for the period 1999-2010. The total number of verified attacks recorded by HFIO (Hellenic Farmers Insurance Organization) and the Forest Service of Trikala is 2,561. The livestock is divided into 3 categories (goats, sheep and cattle) and the killed animals are 9,770. Most of the attacks occurred in areas with an altitude of 800 to 1,200 m. Autumn is the season with the largest number of attacks. Highest predation was recorded on sheep with 1,041 attacks. The presence of wolves in Greece is closely related to livestock animals and traditional farming. In order to estimate the effect of wolf predation on livestock a longitudinal monitoring is required as well as an analysis of all attacks at a national scale.