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<p>Wolves are territorial species that rely on visual, acoustic and olfactory signs to communicate with pack members, wolves from neighbouring territories and with dispersed individuals. Scat deposition is important for this communication. For populations with small packs and exposed to various threats, efficient intraspecific communication is crucial for reproduction and survival. In Portugal, the Iberian wolf is endangered, with peripheral packs being isolated and fragmented. The regular spatial overlap of free-ranging dogs with Iberian wolf throughout the distribution range of this species poses a further challenge to intraspecific communication. In this study, we analysed the faecal marking pattern of the endangered Iberian wolf along roads and trails in three packs south of the Douro River and compared the faecal marking pattern of wolves and dogs. From 2011 to 2020, a total of <i>n</i> = 233 scats were collected during monthly surveys along transects and deposition characteristics were recorded for each scat. The species-specific identification of the samples was genetically confirmed. Our results showed that wolves had higher scat deposition frequencies in highly accessible and drivable roads and, contrary to previous descriptions for Iberian wolves, these packs marked along roads over crossroads. Faecal marking patterns of wolves and dogs did not differ significantly. This study allowed us to infer that wolves and dogs use strategic points to mark with scat signs. It also suggested that the isolation of Iberian wolf packs may influence their natural faecal marking pattern.</p>

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Here or there? Iberian wolf defecation pattern along roads and trails in Portugal

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月19日

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  • Dário Hipólito,
  • João Azevedo,
  • Ana Figueiredo,
  • Tânia Barros,
  • Eduardo Ferreira,
  • Josip Kusak,
  • Carlos Fonseca,
  • Rita T. Torres

摘要

Wolves are territorial species that rely on visual, acoustic and olfactory signs to communicate with pack members, wolves from neighbouring territories and with dispersed individuals. Scat deposition is important for this communication. For populations with small packs and exposed to various threats, efficient intraspecific communication is crucial for reproduction and survival. In Portugal, the Iberian wolf is endangered, with peripheral packs being isolated and fragmented. The regular spatial overlap of free-ranging dogs with Iberian wolf throughout the distribution range of this species poses a further challenge to intraspecific communication. In this study, we analysed the faecal marking pattern of the endangered Iberian wolf along roads and trails in three packs south of the Douro River and compared the faecal marking pattern of wolves and dogs. From 2011 to 2020, a total of n = 233 scats were collected during monthly surveys along transects and deposition characteristics were recorded for each scat. The species-specific identification of the samples was genetically confirmed. Our results showed that wolves had higher scat deposition frequencies in highly accessible and drivable roads and, contrary to previous descriptions for Iberian wolves, these packs marked along roads over crossroads. Faecal marking patterns of wolves and dogs did not differ significantly. This study allowed us to infer that wolves and dogs use strategic points to mark with scat signs. It also suggested that the isolation of Iberian wolf packs may influence their natural faecal marking pattern.