Wolf depredation on livestock in Lithuania in 2009 and 2010

Abstract

During 2009 and 2010 years 182 animals were killed by wolf in Lithuania. The biggest part consist of cattle (48.3%) and sheep (43.4%). Every year depredations on goats were determined as well, but this took a small part of all killed livestock (8.2%). No depredation was determined on bull or horse in both years. In Lithuania the biggest amount of killed livestock was in September (30.8%), October (15.4%) and July, August (10.4% each). No depredations were determined on livestock in February and March. During a single attack 1.8 animal was killed. But in average 3.3 sheeps were killed whereas 1.3 cattle was killed during a single attack. In average 1.9 goats were killed per attack. The biggest depredation on livestock in single attack in two years, when 17 sheeps were killed. Totaly were determined 96 depredations on livestock in 63 places in 2009-2010. The cattle were attacked in 16 of 44 districts in Lithuania. The cattle were attacked exclusively often in districts of Biržai and Kupši kis. But only small part of hunted wolves was from the districts where the biggest depredation was. The situation gives conclusion that wolf packs which live in Biržai and Kupi škis districts specialize on livestock diet.