DISTRIBUTION, STATUS AND CONSERVATION PROBLEMS OF THE WOLF CANIS-LUPUS IN SPAIN

The distribution. status and conservation problems of the wolf Canis lupus in Spain were studied in 1987 and 1988. Wolves regularly occurred over 100,000 km2, mainly in the northwest quarter of the country, with an estimated 294 breeding pairs, i.e. 1,500 and 2,000 wolves in early spring and autumn, respectively, For 1987, reports were received of 309 wolves killed in Spain (excluding Asturias) but the actual number could range from 550 to 750 every year, mostly illegal killings. Annual damage to livestock was estimated at nearly one million US $, losses being disproportionately high in mountain areas due to the lack of protection of free-ranging livestock. The number of stray dogs is higher where wolves are absent and no extensive wolf-dog hybridization has been recorded. Problems related to wolf management are discussed.