Results of a wolf census in Forest Districts and National Parks of Western Poland in 2019−2022
Wyniki inwentaryzacji wilków w nadleśnictwach i parkach narodowych zachodniej Polski w latach 2019−2022
Abstract: We performed an analysis of data on direct observations of wolves and their traces carried out by forest service employees, hunters, naturalists and local residents in areas supervised by eight Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSFs) and in two National Parks located in Western Poland. The study area covered a major part of Western Poland, with the exception of RDSFs in Toruń and Łódź. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and location of direct observations of wolves and their traces. Additionally, all reports on the prey of this predator were analysed. A mobile application was used to collect the following information: the date and time of observations, the location of observations with geographical coordinates, the number of wolves encountered during the direct observations of these animals and their tracks, wolf breeding sites, wolf prey, and vocalizations. A short description of the observations and photographic documentation were included in the analysis as well. In total, 5664 records on the occurrence of wolves were collected in 2019−2022. The most abundant information about these animals was collected in the autumn−winter months, whereas a significantly lower number of data was recorded in the summer period. Single wolves were observed most frequently, followed by wolf pairs. The average number of individuals in a family group was 3.22, with 3.34, 2.98, 3.25, and 3.32 observed in the respective study years. Wolf packs composed of at least three individuals accounted for only 20.8% of the direct observations. Wolves and their traces were found in each Regional Directorate of State Forests and the two National Parks. The greatest number of records was reported from RDSFs in Szczecinek, Gdańsk, and Katowice, while the lowest number was found in RDSF in Zielona Góra. The distribution of wolves coincided with the presence of large forest complexes. These animals and their tracks were observed more frequently in counties with large forest cover and less often in counties with high population density. The study indicated that not all habitats typical for this species were occupied during the recolonization process. The reports have also shown that red deer (58%) and roe deer (23%) were the most common wolf prey, whereas livestock (6%), fallow deer (6%), and wild boars (5%) were attacked by wolves less frequently. The analysis of the data has indicated that wolves still occupy areas with the largest forest cover but are only occasionally encountered in less favourable environments. The majority of the records reported the presence of single wolves that may have been non−resident individuals or members of wolf packs searching for prey animals alone, especially in spring and summer.
Key words: Canis lupus, distribution, prey, Western Poland, wolf