Groenhof, Einar (2023) The return of an apex predator: the interplay between wolf establishment, human activity and an existing ecosystem in the Netherlands. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biology.
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Abstract
After a strong reduction of their population in Central and Western Europe, the grey wolf is making a comeback, including in the Netherlands. Recolonization of wolves in Europe has led to high levels of livestock damage. Research shows that the presence of (large) wild ungulates can reduce the predation pressure on livestock, while prevention measures like fencing are considered effective prevention methods. One of the areas where wolves have settled in the Netherlands is the Northern area of Drents-Friese Wold, with successful reproduction in 2022. Livestock kills are particularly high in the northern provinces. The northern provinces don’t have large wild ungulates like the red deer, wild boar and fallow deer, likely forcing wolves to prey more upon kill domestic animals. In the early stages of establishment of wolf packs, especially with cubs, easy kills of domestic animals are more likely, and the number usually drop when a pack has successfully settled itself. The use of prevention mechanisms like fencing and guarding dogs could also reduce the amount of livestock damage, although the effectiveness of these measures in the Netherlands is still poorly understood. The Drents-Friese Wold is potentially a suitable habitat for wolves, as the area is large enough for territorial wolves and it would be able to house large ungulates.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
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| Supervisor name: | Smit, C. and Both, C. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Aug 2023 07:22 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Aug 2023 07:22 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/31267 |
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