All in the family - Wolf attacks on dogs and potential solutions to mitigate the conflict
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
University of Oulu OP-Pohjola auditorium (L6), Linnanmaa
Topic of the dissertation
All in the family - Wolf attacks on dogs and potential solutions to mitigate the conflict
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Mari Tikkunen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics
Subject of study
Biology
Opponent
Principal Researcher Francisco Álvares, BIOPOLIS/CIBIO-InBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Portugal
Custos
Research Professor Ilpo Kojola, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Research Reveals Wolves Attack Hunting Dogs Mainly Due to perceived competition
The recolonization of wolves into their former habitats has led to conflicts with humans in many parts of the world. In Finland, the most conflict-prone interactions involve hunting dogs. This doctoral thesis focuses on the underlying reasons for wolf attacks on dogs, particularly those used for hunting.
The research reveals that the attacks on hunting dogs occur more frequently near the border zones of wolf territories than would be expected based on the amount of time wolves spent in those areas. Wolves perceive hunting dogs, especially those actively pursuing moose, as conspecific invaders and defend their territory by attacking these perceived competitors as soon as they trespass.
The study also provide evidence that prey abundance influences the number of wolf-killed dogs. When the ungulate populations are low, competition for resources intensifies among wolves and other predators, predominantly hunting dogs, leading to more frequent and fatal interactions.
One of the most effective ways to prevent attacks is informing hunters about the locations of wolves through online platforms. According to the study, the territories where hunters were aware of wolf locations experienced fewer attacks.
The research reveals that the attacks on hunting dogs occur more frequently near the border zones of wolf territories than would be expected based on the amount of time wolves spent in those areas. Wolves perceive hunting dogs, especially those actively pursuing moose, as conspecific invaders and defend their territory by attacking these perceived competitors as soon as they trespass.
The study also provide evidence that prey abundance influences the number of wolf-killed dogs. When the ungulate populations are low, competition for resources intensifies among wolves and other predators, predominantly hunting dogs, leading to more frequent and fatal interactions.
One of the most effective ways to prevent attacks is informing hunters about the locations of wolves through online platforms. According to the study, the territories where hunters were aware of wolf locations experienced fewer attacks.
Last updated: 3.12.2024