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Closer to Carrying Capacity: Analysis of the Internal Demographic Structure Associated with the Management and Density Dependence of a Controlled Wolf Population in Latvia

Author

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  • Jurģis Šuba

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Agrita Žunna

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Guna Bagrade

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Gundega Done

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Mārtiņš Lūkins

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Aivars Ornicāns

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Digna Pilāte

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Alda Stepanova

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Jānis Ozoliņš

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Rigas Street 111, LV–2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

Abstract

Large carnivores are essential components of natural ecosystems. In populated areas, their conservation depends on preserving a favorable status in coexistence with humans, which may require the elimination of excess carnivores to minimize public concerns. As the Baltic region currently hosts a thriving wolf population, locally sustainable management of wolves is important for preserving biodiversity at a European scale. In this paper, we provide a dynamic assessment of the Latvian wolf subpopulation from 1998 until 2020. This study is based on age composition and fecundity data from teeth, uteri, and ovaria inspections obtained from samples of legally culled or accidentally killed individuals. The abundance estimates indicated population growth that exceeded the previously predicted carrying capacity. The proportion of juveniles among the culled individuals increased in recent years, but the mean age of culled adults exhibited a stable trend. In presumably nonselective hunting, the juveniles and individuals older than 3 years had greater culling mortality estimates in comparison with other age classes, and the culling rates for adult females of particular age classes were higher than for males of the same age. While creating significant hunting pressure, wolf management in Latvia may have contributed to the population growth by affecting its demographic processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jurģis Šuba & Agrita Žunna & Guna Bagrade & Gundega Done & Mārtiņš Lūkins & Aivars Ornicāns & Digna Pilāte & Alda Stepanova & Jānis Ozoliņš, 2021. "Closer to Carrying Capacity: Analysis of the Internal Demographic Structure Associated with the Management and Density Dependence of a Controlled Wolf Population in Latvia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9783-:d:626210
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Linas Balčiauskas, 2022. "Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics: An Editorial," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-3, April.
    2. Jurģis Šuba & Agrita Žunna & Guna Bagrade & Gundega Done & Aivars Ornicāns & Digna Pilāte & Alda Stepanova & Jānis Ozoliņš, 2023. "Does Wolf Management in Latvia Decrease Livestock Depredation? An Analysis of Available Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Hatlauf, J. & Kunz, F. & Griesberger, P. & Sachser, F. & Hackländer, K., 2024. "A stage-based life cycle implementation for individual-based population viability analyses of grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Europe," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 491(C).

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