WolfThe UK Wolf Conservation Trust PrintIssueIssue 40 39 Summer Spring 2010

• The Trust celebrates 15 years • Dakota • Wildwood Wolves • Les Loups du Gevaudan • Yellowstone ■ NEWS ■ EVENTS ■ MEDIA AND ARTS ■ REVIEWS The Trust celebrates 15 ISSUEyears 40 SUMMER 2010 1 Wolf Print

Editor Toni Shelbourne Tel: 0118 971 3330 Email: [email protected] Assistant Editor Julia Bohanna Editorial Team Angela Barrow, Sandra Benson, Vicky Hughes, Tsa Palmer, Denise Taylor

Published by The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Editor's Letter Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading RG7 5NT Tel: 0118 971 3330 Fax: 0118 971 0522 t was a tough winter and a dramatic, sad spring at the UKWCT Email: [email protected] (see the wolf news section). We are now looking forward to Patrons the calm, hormone-free summer where the wolves are lazy and David Clement Davies I Erich Klinghammer gentle. As usual we are busy; each year I am amazed that we can Desmond Morris fit more into the same amount of time, but we do. We've noticed Michelle Paver over the rare, quiet periods that the wolves really miss the visitors, Christoph Promberger confirming that they love their work. The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Directors Nigel Bulmer Anne Carter This issue has the normal mix of UKWCT news with new Charles Hicks Sue Hull information about wolves around the world. Kirsty Peake gives Tsa Palmer us her insightful update about what's going on with the The UK Wolf Conservation Trust is a company Yellowstone wolves and Anne Riddell tells the history of the limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales. Wildwood wolves in Kent. Many of you will know that they are Company No. 3686061. related to Lunca and Latea. Apollo, their father, is in fact still alive The opinions expressed in this magazine are not and in charge of the pack. Life and Behaviour of wolves looks at necessarily those of the publishers or The UK Wolf the subject of self-medication. This research is unique in the wolf Conservation Trust. world and originated at the UKWCT, proving yet again that we are All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is leaders in the care of captive wolves and contributing to the pot prohibited. The work may not be photocopied or otherwise of information about wild wolves. produced within the terms of any licence granted by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd or the Publishers Licensing Society Ltd.

Other articles update you on some of the projects we support and Aims of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust where your donations have been used. It's not all comfortable · To enhance the conservation, scientific knowledge reading about the wild wolf population but it would be so much and public awareness of the environment. worse without your help. · To stimulate greater interest in wolves, their food, their habitat and their behaviour.

We've got some great book reviews and new merchandise plus a · To provide opportunities for both ethological research and for people to interact with wolves. whole host of activities coming up for the summer and autumn of · To improve the changes of survival of European 2010. Don't forget to book early to avoid disappointment. wolves in the wild.

· To provide education programmes for schools, Please send me ideas of what you might want to see in Wolf Print, conservationists and other organisations. or photos and articles that we could include in its pages. As usual, Cover Price - £3.50 the address to send them to is [email protected]. We can 3 issues - £14.00 inc P&P only accept photos and text electronically due to the lack of time Overseas subscriptions - £14.00 plus P&P. Please contact the UKWCT for overseas postage costs. we have to produce the magazine. Online subscription £10.00 - PDF download only. Please visit www.ukwolf.org Have a great summer. Design and artwork: Business Pluspoint www.businesspluspoint.co.uk Tel: 0118 988 5530 Toni Shelbourne email: [email protected] Printed by: Pensord, NP12 2YA. www.pensord.co.uk Education Officer / Senior Wolf Handler / Wolf Print Editor Printed on FSC paper from sustainable forest sources. This magazine is fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you can help to reduce waste and add to the millions of tonnes of paper already recycled every year by the UK paper industry. You can recycle paper through your home recycling collection scheme or at your local recycling centre. Visit Cover photo: Latea by Joan Paddick www.recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find your nearest site.

2 UKWCT WOLF PRINT 5 7 Dakota, by Mikaela Wild of Thatcham Photographic Club

Mai, by Danny Kirby Hunter 12 contents

REGULARS

2 Editor's Letter 12 Life and Behaviour of Wolves Self-medication 22 Merchandise Wolf gifts, souvenirs and sale items 18 Making Tracks 14 Wolves in media and art NEWS

4 News from the Trust 5 Dakota - a tribute 8 Yellowstone update 10 Wolves of the World 26 Donation News

FEATURES

14 Anniversary Celebrations Looking back over 15 years at the Trust 16 Conservation in Practice Pete Haswell reports from Bulgaria 20 The Wildwood Wolves A report by Anne Riddell of the Wildwood Trust 24 Les Loups du Gevaudan Darren Prescott visits a wolf sanctuary in France

WHAT'S COMING UP

27 Special Events at the Trust 22 Open days, holiday activities, howl nights and more

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 3 Wolf NEWS: Update on the Trust Wolves

uncle, who would never allow the girls' impatient to be off and getting their collars on dominance displays to get out of hand. Torak can be a bit of a dance as they charge around has a lot to learn and is usually the one to start getting excited about their walk. In 2010 we trouble or help it continue, with a glint in his are hoping to get them out for more members' eye as he piles into the melee. walks. They love the line-up and sniff everyone intently, but be warned ... they don't wait Latea and Lunca have had a few months to around for meet and greets, too many things adjust to the loss of their brother Alba back in to explore. Don't worry, we'll get other wolves January. It's been hard for them and they have out for you to interact with later. The Euro girls seemed a little subdued but very calm with really are special. Mosi and Mai - by Franca Knight each other. With Alba gone there was no It's all change at the UKWCT for the wolves: competition between the girls in the breeding this year's breeding season back in the spring season and the only ritualised aggression seen was packed full of surprises and drama. Over between them has been at feeding time. Even the past two years, Mosi has come into season this was low key and normal. It seems boys mid-February with Mai starting a few days really are the root of all ills in a pack. We were after. This was their first true breeding season worried about how they would get on without as mature wolves and it's seen a change of Alba to keep the peace, but they have been leadership between Mai and Mosi. As always, angels and probably the easiest wolves to deal it's the boys who cause all the trouble and with in the high octane hormone period of the when Mosi became receptive to Torak mating year. Before a recent enclosure swap, being her, which is around ten days after the season in the top enclosure, Latea continued her starts, he took full advantage and paired up self-appointed duty of meeting all the visitors with her. They tied several times and Mosi with a friendly wag of her tail and a wolfy grin took the opportunity to lord it over Mai with on her face. She rubs her body along the fence Torak backing her up. The end result was that line and shows everyone how relaxed our Mai was deposed as the dominant female. wolves can be around things like coaches, cars Mosi has always pushed her claim for the top and crowds of people. This greeting ceremony Duma - by Alvin Yap even cuts into her play time, to the disgust of Lunca, who at a recent Howl Night split her Duma has had a frustrating and difficult spring, time between looking in the window of the with the loss of her sister in April she has had Education room and inviting Latea to play. to live alone for the first time in her life; it's Latea was having none of it; she had people to never easy for a wolf to be without company. show of to. Lunca spent her time lying just We try to walk her daily and spend as much outside the observation window, either time as we can in the enclosure. She seems to pretending to dose off or howling, to the be more settled when housed next to the delight of the visitors. When she wasn't European girls Lunca and Latea in the double- howling or being nosey, she would invite Latea skinned enclosure but for now that is all we to play, performing the classic play bow, but can do for her. Mixing adult wolves is very Torak - by Alvin Yap Latea knew her priorities and still had people tricky so for her safety it's best for now that to welcome! she stays on her own and has time to get over position but until recently had been put down the trauma. We are keeping a very close eye by Mai and, when needed, Torak backed her On their enrichment walks, Lunca and Latea on Duma's stress levels and health and will of up. As usual though, when a male has one have loved exploring the front field, jumping course keep you informed of any changes. In thing on his mind it can cause all sorts of in the water troughs and sniffing everything the breeding season with no male to interact upsets. Mosi harassed and dominated Mai so and everyone. Now there is less competition with Duma became frustrated and looked for much that she was able to suppress her between them, they both seek out affection love amongst our handlers, which was of season, therefore Mai had no opportunity to from the handlers and love to have a scratch course unrequited. As she was in the enclosure re-challenge for leadership. Once the deed behind their ears. Years ago when they were next to Torak she had to watch Mosi get all the was done, Torak left the girls to sort young, Lunca especially wasn't easy to catch attention. 'If only Torak could come and play themselves out and didn't protect Mai or join for walks but nowadays we often find them on with me for a while' is what Duma would have in the ritualised aggression, choosing to look the kennel yard waiting for us, having slipped said if she could. To compensate she took up the other way and stay out of it. Will Mosi be in via the night kennel traps. They are her old trick of flirting with handlers and a good leader? We doubt it; her character is people on the walks. Many new volunteers more like Latea's and we fully expect Mosi to Lunca and Latea - Danny Kirby-Hunter have been inducted into the Duma 'bounce'. be a bully but she might surprise us. Watch She took some of her frustration out on Dakota this space! before her death who kept a low profile when Duma was feeling hormonal. She has now Although the girls have switched their roles, calmed down but still likes to spend most of Mai still does all the raised hackle and tail her walk over-marking where Mosi and Mai displays when the pack walks past Duma. Mai have walked earlier. She may be twelve but and Duma haven't got on since Mai matured she shows no sign of slowing up or wanting to and they are big rivals. While Mai fence-runs retire from public life. In fact she would hate with Duma, Mosi is telling Mai off while Torak not having her job as the pre-eminent mostly looks the other way. It's fair to say that Ambassador wolf at the Trust, especially now Torak is not a patch on the brilliant Alba, his she is the last of her pack. <

4 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Death of an Ambassador Dakota: 1998 - 2010 t is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the death of Dakota, one of our North American wolves. You will be aware that over the Ipast three years Dakota has been living with lymphatic cancer. However, she defied the odds and with determination and much veterinary support, we were lucky to enjoy her company for three years after the diagnosis.

Dakota had recently been off her food a Dakota and Duma were the Trust's little but both our traditional and main ambassadors for many years homeopathic vets had visited in the last and had appeared on TV few weeks and where happy with her programmes such as Monarch of condition. She walked around the site on the Glen, Blue Peter and the Paul Monday 26th April with Duma and she O'Grady Show. They featured in was her usual cheeky self, trying to grab news programmes and countless bits and pieces from the hedgerow as she newspaper and magazine articles. always did. The next day she wouldn't eat Dakota was a very charismatic and and her breathing seemed a little photogenic wolf; she seemed to know just laboured. The vet was called to see how to pose for anyone with a camera and Dakota on the morning of Wednesday always delighted visitors with a howl, 28th April. The diagnosis was possible sitting at the end of the photo mound. pneumonia but in all probability the This was the signal to her handlers that cancer had finally reached her lungs. She she had finished with the public and that was given a couple of injections and it was time to go back to her favourite prescribed antibiotics. However, 24 hours activity which was sleeping in the sun. later Dakota had shown no sign of improvement and the vet was called Although retired from public duties since again. A unanimous decision was made 2008, Dakota still led a full and active life, that Dakota had fought for long enough whether it was going for a walk with and that it was kinder to let her go. She handlers, interacting with Duma or went peacefully with some of her many helping students with their research by human friends around her when she died. rolling in scents or following food trails. Duma her sister sat close at hand on the She enjoyed the introduction of the new other side of the fence and was then pond and waterfall in the bottom brought in to say goodbye. enclosure and on warm days could be found cooling herself off in the water or sleeping under a tree. In the winter she would take herself off to a warm straw bed in the kennel block, only poking her nose out of the trap if someone interesting walked by.

For many people, whether a volunteer or member of the Trust, Dakota was often a favourite among all that met her due to the sparkle in her eye and the outstanding zest for life and, above all, mischief. We all have happy memories of her cheeky and endearing ways. She will be deeply missed.

Photos, clockwise from top right, taken by: Mikaela Wild David Southard Paul Denton Claire Ash

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 5 Trust News Photo: Mai, by Joan Paddick

As we pulled up in front of the elegant the top to get a better view of the passing SNOWDROP Queen Anne house, we were welcomed by stream running alongside but, after finding the lady of the manor, Mrs Puxley who, that their attempts to cross it were thwarted WOLF WALK together with her son, kindly escorted us by their handlers not wanting to get wet, On a crisp afternoon in February we took our around the extensive grounds, which we had had to content themselves with crossing via three Canadian wolves for a day out in the almost to ourselves as it was a day they were a nearby footbridge. Further along the bank country to the beautiful Welford Park Estate not open to the public. Here, the wolves and we came across a mini waterfall which located near Newbury, Berkshire - and what their handlers were free to enjoy the first of fascinated the wolves but the stream's a day it was! the snowdrops opening after their long attraction finally became irresistible and winter sleep, displaying their beauty to us in they all went in for a paddle. The object of the exercise, what we term an their thousands, like a woodland carpet enrichment walk, is where the wolves are under the beech trees. Our boy Torak was Even though it was a chilly day, the backdrop allowed, within reason, the freedom to 'do fascinated with the kissing gate and by of the blazing red dogwoods and snowdrops their own thing' without the pressure of standing on his hind legs showed us how to was a delight to see, but all too soon it was their ambassadorial work of meeting people. open it with his front feet! time to load up and return to the Trust with It's a bit of down-time for both wolves and three happy wolves. handlers and everyone enjoys these walks Meanwhile, Mosi and Mai, having found a tremendously. nearby fallen tree trunk, chose to stroll along Sue Fine. News from the Anglian Wolf Society on the sad death of Torak's mother It is with great sadness that I inform you of the She died shortly after three o'clock in suggests that it was probably an accidental death of our North American female wolf, Sefka. the afternoon on Friday February injury. Given the fact that breeding season 26th. Immediately beforehand, she rivalry had already been over for several had been observed sparring briefly days, with all the wolves calm and non- with her daughters, which she competitive, we are led to the conclusion frequently did. Within a few minutes, that her death was the result of routine she collapsed and subsequently died. sparring which simply went wrong. The rest A post mortem conducted by our vet of the pack are in good shape with no revealed a number of trivial bite indications of any adverse behavioural marks and some bruising in various effects. places around her neck, but identified the cause of death as a Phil Watson small puncture wound to one of her Anglian Wolf Society lungs. The small size of the wound

WORLD ANIMAL DAY 2009. In the spring 2010 issue of Wolf Print on page 8 the main picture featured a display by the Amwest Native American Dancers. The editor would like to make it clear that the gentleman in the red shirt standing in the background on the right is not, and never has been, a member of Amwest. We apologise for any embarrassment that inclusion of this picture may have caused Mr Holcombe or his family.

6 UKWCT WOLF PRINT IN MEMORIAM

When I last came to the Trust, for my first walk with the wolves, it was the 23rd January and, sadly, the Trust lost Alba that day. My mum and I have attended many events at the Trust over the last 12 months and are passionate about the cause. We absolutely love spending time around the wolves and with everyone who helps and gives us talks, information and wonderful stories of living with the Trust wolves.

We were so touched by the loss of Alba; I desperately wanted to do something to help. So although only a small amount, I emailed and got in touch with everyone I knew and gave them the information about the Trust, what it does and the good causes it supports, along with the wonderful times we have spent in the company of the Trust's wolves themselves. I got creative, and made some hand-made cards, in an effort to encourage people to Photo: Clive Readings donate their hard earned cash, and mum even Thanks for all the hard work the volunteers put painted some howling wolves for some of the into making our time at the Trust great! cards. All the cards had the UKWCT logo on the back, and because I asked everyone to take Kind regards a look at the website too, I hope you may even Carolyn Barton get some further interest from this neck of the woods. The fundraising brought about some Editor's note: fabulous opportunities to talk to people face to face about what the Trust is and does and I Thank you to Carolyn and others for your kind was pleasantly surprised with the interest and donation and words about Alba. We have enthusiasm this brought about. decided to create an area for all our departed wolf friends on site. This will be in the form of So, in memory of Alba, please accept this ornamental boulders, one for each wolf. No cheque for £100 from the people of Lancashire! marker will be placed by the rocks but Most of all, thank you for allowing us to have volunteers will tell you what they are for if this experience. Without it, we wouldn't have asked. This is an idea we got from Wolf Park been so aware of the issues and so moved by and we feel it is nicer than having plaques all Carolyn Barton with Duma, Paul Denton the experience of being so close to the wolves. around the site. and Cammie Jones DIRECTOR'S LETTER Sadly, we lost both Alba and Dakota this cameras, making four in all. We are now able winter. Both had serious health issues and to monitor much more closely what is going at the ages of 10 and 11 had led long, happy on and have the facility to move the cameras and fulfilled lives at the Trust. We had been to keep up with the ever-changing scene. hoping that we could have been the recipient of some cubs this spring but very With the very cold and prolonged winter, we few establishments are breeding since birth have not yet seen any badger cubs emerging. control methods have been put in place in However, with the onset of summer we are most of the UK wolf packs. As three of our hopeful that the cubs will soon be out with remaining wolves are now elderly, Duma the adults to go foraging in the nearby fields. being 12 and Lunca and Latea now 11, we The badger hide that was built last year will are actively looking to either import some be available from May onwards for those adult wolves to the UK from abroad (as we wishing to watch the badgers and did with Athena, Apollo and Luna in 1998), photograph them. Like all wildlife watching, Anne with Duma or take in a pair of young wolves already it can be a long and patient wait but it is well As I write this we are now into spring and all living in the UK, not related to each other, worthwhile and gives a fascinating insight the frosts and deep snow are hopefully a who are surplus to requirements. Now we into the world of the badger. thing of the past. During the frequent heavy are in the process of being accepted into the snow falls at the Trust the wolves thoroughly British Irish Association of Zoos and Much is going on at the Trust with Predator enjoyed themselves. The Canadians Aquariums (BIAZA) we will have better to Pet workshops, Open days and World especially loved pouncing in it, rolling in it access and relationships with the zoo Animal Day, when all manner of species will and demolishing snowmen so obligingly built community. Our aim then would be to breed be on display. All in all, a very busy time for by volunteers. I think Torak must hold the from these wolves next year. everyone at the Trust! record for managing to completely annihilate a snowman as it took about 45 Down at the badger sett we have been very Anne Carter, Director seconds for it to become a pile of snow. busy and have installed a further two

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 7 Challenging Times for the Wolves of Yellowstone An update on the wolf situation in Yellowstone National Park by Kirsty Peake

Lone female wolf, now of the 755 pack. Photo: Peter Murray

When we returned to England from Yellowstone National Park in early October 2009, we left a fairly healthy wolf population on the Northern Range. Yes, the Druids had mange but other packs had survived it. The wolves in the South of the Park were doing well and the numbers in the packs were growing.

e left the Druid Pack with ten They would not lie down on the snow and LAMAR VALLEY WAS EMPTY OF WOLVES wolves and two surviving pups from would be seen standing sleeping, occasionally ...or was it? At the far end a pack of four Wtheir nine, all with mange. The falling over and quickly trying to stand up had been seen, the Silver Pack. They had been Blacktails had six adults and five pups, the again. They would seek out dirt patches seen briefly in January 2009 before Cottonwoods had five adults and three pups, around the base of trees to stand on. disappearing. There was a rush to see them the Everts with four adults, and the Quadrants before they disappeared again, but there was with four adults and three pups. The Canyons Into this scene we arrived in mid-January and no need as they are now well established! had four adults and one pup and the Agates what follows is just one snapshot of our They are called the Silver Pack as the with four adults. The Mollie pack was thirteen experiences. So much was happening that at Alpha Female is a beautiful silver colour. The in number, having recovered from mange. times it was hard to keep up. The Druid girls Alpha male is a huge wolf (possibly from 147's Group of three wolves (very confusing as had attracted a couple of young healthy males. the Mollie Pack), there is also a juvenile female two have similar numbers - 147 and 471!) and One had arrived in late December and the and a yearling female - all of them grey. there were a few loners in the area. other in February. Could this be the saving of They took over Lamar Valley but were the pack we all wondered? What we had not obviously keen to explore more. This was a Between October and when we returned in bargained on was 'Aggie' - she was born in decision that, at the time, the Alpha Male may mid-January everything had changed. 2006 into the Agate pack (hence Aggie!) and have regretted because 147 (also leaving 471!) Amongst other things hunting had returned to had taken a definite shine to these two young was attracted to the pack and started to try Montana. The Cottonwood territory bordered men. She has a reputation as being a bit of a and approach the Alpha Female. The Alpha the Park and hunters had shot and killed three 'tart' and last year had left her pack in pursuit Male consistently chased him off and over of them, including the Alpha female. The pack of males only to find that she could not return several days this game was played. On the disintegrated and has since disappeared. The to the Agates. She had joined 471 and 147 but day that the Alpha Female was ready to be Druids fell apart after the death of the Alpha now appeared to have left them and was once mated there was a short battle and 147 found Female in September. The remaining two pups again on her own and on the look out. Aggie himself the new Alpha Male of the Silver Pack. did not survive. Five of the pack went off on is a consummate predator; she brings down It was easy to see how pleased he was with their own, with mange. 480 was left with just elk on her own. We realised that she was in himself as his tail was high and wagging. The four of his daughters approaching breeding fact feeding a lot of wolves with her predation old Alpha tagged along behind the group. The time but he left the pack, with mange. The techniques. Certainly the Druid girls were juvenile female fell completely in love with 147 reason for his leaving could well be that he benefiting from this as the boys were proving and could be seen trying to solicit play from could not breed with his daughters as wolves not to be great hunters - they were still young him. He is a wonderful Alpha Male and puts actively avoid inbreeding. The Evert's Alpha and had a lot to learn. It was taking the Druid up with all her attention. He mated the Alpha Female died from an attack by other wolves. girls all their time to cope with staying alive Female… and the juvenile female! The pack The Canyons went down to three adults, no without having to deal with a challenger for is now five in number as the old alpha is one knows what happened to the pup and the their boys. accepted and 147 has even been seen giving other adult. the old boy a face wash after a kill. The In the same area as the Druids and Aggie was assumption that the old boy was from the Depressing reading but normal life for wolves. also her maternal pack, the Agates. This Mollie Pack gained further weight when he and For the Druid girls, life was exceedingly tough consisted of an Alpha Female, young Alpha the three females brought down a female as they had no winter coats to help them cope Male (known as Big Blaze) and another young bison (147 slept through all this in the sun!) with the severe weather due to the mange. female. Mollie's main prey is bison. 8 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Challenging Times for the Wolves of Yellowstone

While all this was going on the Druid girls were to take over the Agate pack. The first foray into pups and this appeared to be a big contributor floating back and forth from Lamar Valley. Two this saw them chase off Big Blaze, the Agate to the lack of stability that we were watching. of them had collars and the other two had the young Alpha Male, after a fight. He was no nicknames of White Line and Thin Female. One match for these two big wolves. He It will be interesting to see what this breeding of the collars started to send out the mortality disappeared and we held our breath. After a season gives us. At the moment the Alpha signal. Her body was found and showed signs few days he reappeared and we breathed Female of the Silvers is pregnant as is Aggie, of a wolf attack - possibly the Silvers. The again. Having regained his strength he tried to also the Alpha Female of the Canyons. The average weight for a female wolf is 90lbs - she re-establish himself with the Agates. This Blacktails possibly have two females in pup. was only 79lbs. It was possible to see how thin proved to be a big error in judgement. One of There were not enough sightings of the others and lacking in coat she had been. the Mollie's had him by the foreface and was to determine whether or not the females are shaking him. Big Blaze would not go down and pregnant. Perhaps, if all goes well, the new Not being satisfied with the Lamar Valley, the stood his ground but the attack was ferocious. arrivals will inject stability back into the wolf Silvers have been seen in several other pack There was a huge weight and size advantage population. territories and everyone appeared to manage to the Molly. Eventually they broke apart and to avoid each other, with one sad exception. the Mollie male moved away, covered in blood The overall population of the wolves in - Big Blaze's blood. He has not been seen since. Yellowstone National Park is currently about THE BLACKTAILS MOVED OVER TO JOIN IN 95, a big drop from their high of 170 in 2003. with this huge wolf party that was going on. We were now down to two Druid females, both All this though is completely normal for wolf We had the Blacktails, the Druid girls and their with mange but appearing to be improving. I populations. Many packs no longer exist in the two boys and Aggie all in the same area. There was watching them in Lamar Valley when they Park and new ones form. If the Druids was a kill, probably Aggie's, and the Blacktails surprised a coyote and gave chase. They completely disappear (and there have been were taking their time on this before moving caught it and killed it. That is where it should sightings recently of some of the ones who away. Aggie made an approach on the two have ended - wolves do not eat adult coyotes. went off on their own), it will be us wolf Druid new boys and was seen off by White Line. If you are starving though I suppose you do not watchers who will feel it the most. They are The Thin Female approached the kill and pass up a chance of a meal. White Line looked the most famous pack in the Park, formed in unfortunately did not realise that the Blacktails at the carcass but 690 just turned away. White 1996, the second year of the reintroduction. were returning as well. The Blacktail males are Line 'toyed' with it for a bit then took a bite. her brothers but the Blacktail Alpha Female has She ate on it for over an hour but 690 never We are looking forward eagerly to our next trip no relationship with her. The males attacked touched it. These two then appeared to go out in June to see how things are for the wolves but retreated but the Alpha Female went in their separate ways but in the same area. of Yellowstone. They have been challenging and had Thin Female by the throat. They did Unfortunately White Line had another run in each other and their environment has been not kill her. She got away and came towards with Aggie and although she got away she was challenging them, but I have no doubt that we us and stopped at a sage bush. She did not hurt. We did not see her for several days. will all still be watching wolves in Yellowstone make it through the night and we had an Then someone spotted what they thought was in the coming years. opportunity to say goodbye to her the next a wolf body. It was White Line but evidence morning. When she was weighed she was only showed that she had been killed by a mountain Kirsty Peake 75lbs. The Druids were now down to two lion. The Druids were now down to one wolf www.peakeservices.co.uk females. Aggie had succeeded in taking away - 690 - that we knew of and 5 who had the two young males for herself. disappeared at the start of the winter. All the wolves in Yellowstone have identifying numbers. Into all this came two grey wolves - males. One WHY ALL THIS MOVEMENT? In my opinion Some of these wolves receive was the deposed Alpha male of the Mollie pack it shows the importance of the pups to a wolf nicknames from the people who watch and the other also from the Mollies. These two pack's cohesion. The only pack that more or them regularly. wandered up and down through the territories less stayed in their territory was the Blacktails, Each pack has a group name before joining in the wolf party and deciding with five pups. None of the other packs had ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 9 wolves of the world news from around the world

Photo: Torak, by Clive Readings Hunters urge calm as wolves return to Bavaria nibbles he ÖJV ecological hunters' admitted that there could be problems n Wolf Survey Planned for Northern Lower association urged Bavarians to too. Peninsula. Michigan State in the USA is remain calm following planning to start a survey aimed at finding T confirmation that a lone wolf has been "Naturally one has to assume that in the grey wolves in the northern Lower spotted near the southern community future he could kill a house pet or two Peninsula. The Department of Natural of Brannenburg. "Fear of a single wolf or, for example, sheep in the fields at Resources and Environment says survey teams will be searching areas where the would be totally unfounded," ÖJV night," he said. But people can erect public reports observing a wolf or wolf leader Wolfgang Kornder said, advising electric fences and anyone who loses an tracks during the survey period. Wolves are anyone out for a walk in the forest to animal to a wolf is entitled to a federally protected species in Michigan, behave "normally." compensation from the state, he and began returning to Michigan's Upper assured. "We just need to be engaged," Peninsula via Canada and Wisconsin in the "Wolves have no interest in coming into he said, urging residents to be early 1990s, and more recently have been contact with humans," he said. understanding. spotted in the northern Lower Peninsula. Bavarian Environment Ministry wildlife Michigan gray wolf information, observation manager Manfred Wölfl confirmed that The Canis lupus, or grey wolf, was reports: www.michigan.gov/wolves and a wolf had been identified based on hunted in Germany beginning in tiny.cc/7vx3y (requires website registration). sightings and evidence of bite marks medieval times. The species found on deer carrion. According to disappeared from the country in the n Trichinellosis in wolves from Croatia. A study to investigate the prevalence of Wölfl, the animal has been seen in the 19th century, when they were driven Trichinella infection in wolves (Canis lupus) area since December and has not east to Poland and Russia. The wolf has was carried out in a 17,468 km² area in attacked any livestock. been making a slow return to Germany Croatia. Muscle samples were collected despite residents' fears and several from 67 wolves between 1996 and 2007 and The ÖJV's Kornder speculated that the lethal incidents with angry hunters. analysed by artificial digestion. Muscle rare canine was a young male on the Experts estimate there are about five larvae were detected in 21 wolves (31%) and prowl for a new area to settle. "It can't packs totaling in some 45 wolves in the genotyped by multiplex PCR. Trichinella be assumed he brought along a whole northeastern part of the country. The britovi was the predominant species pack," Kornder said, adding that his five wolves in Mecklenburg-Western confirmed in 90% (19 wolves) while organisation hopes the animal stays in Pomerania are believed to have Trichinella spiralis was detected in 9% (2 the southern German state. "It's a wandered into the country from Poland. wolves). The presence of the so called fascinating occurrence when the big In June 2009 a hunter in Saxony-Anhalt ''domestic'' Trichinella species was a surprise since, to-date, only T. britovi had predators return. We should be happy was charged with killing a male wolf that been reported in wild animals in this region. that it's happening." The return of lived with a female and their young cubs The larval burdens in infected animals wolves to the area means that at the military training facility in ranged from 0.3 to 45.9 larvae per gram. environmental conditions are Altengrabow. (tiny.cc/5v1mw) The prevalence of infected animals varied improving, Kornder asserted, though he by geographic region; infected animals were found in the region of Gorski Kotar (20%) which has very similar environment to the For the latest information on what's happening to wolves, region of Lika, where almost all wolves were join the Wolf Seeker Yahoo group by emailing found infected. Interestingly, this is the first report of infected wolves in Dalmatia. [email protected]

10 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Wolves fly across country

Four endangered Mexican wolves have Mexico, they will be placed in the Wildlife recently been flown cross country to start West Nature Park, a new preserve that's new lives. Three wolves from the National billed as an "enhanced zoo." Zoo in Washington USA - one male and two females - will have a new home just outside "They're trying to keep the wolves safe and Albuquerque. In the same trip an injured at the highest level of nutrition," said Tucker. female will be moved from the project in "There's no stress, they're in a very natural Albuquerque to the National Zoo. "The environment. They're there to learn to be Mexican wolves are smaller than the larger, wolves." The hope is the wolves will breed, more commonly-known grey wolf" said and that they or their offspring will be able Kelley Tucker, LightHawk's Eastern Region to be released into the wild. So far, more program director who works near Lake than 50 Mexican wolves have been released, Placid, N.Y. "It was hunted almost to she said, under the program Species Survival extinction," Tucker said. "There were a Plan, which works with zoos accredited by couple of handfuls of animals left in the US the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. and Mexico; now both countries are working to save this species." The female Mexican wolf returning is known only as 749. She was part of a pack at a The three going to Albuquerque include a facility in California caught in the wildfires, male with arthritis, named Cheveya, who is said Tucker. The wolf suffered minor burns Mexican wolf © US Fish & Wildlife Service around age 11 and will benefit from the and lost many of her pups in the fire. She recover, "While there, she is expected to dryer climate. His companions are Catella and her mate were sent to New Mexico, meet some new, good-looking men," said and Nieca, sisters who are four years old. where the plan was to release them into the Tucker. "We're honored to get to help The animals aren't usually named, said wild. Then her mate died of cancer. them," she said, "to get these wolves to safe Tucker. She thinks all three were born in places." (tiny.cc/50w7r) captivity. In Washington, they were not on The wolf is showing the stress of her ordeal display as zoo animals, she said. In New and is going to a facility in New York to n Denali Wolves. In early 2008, State respectively, whilst 4.3 crossings however, the patient was discharged wildlife officials confirmed the presence occurred per day under one monitored from hospital on the next day from the of a young female wolf in North eastern viaduct. Of those crossings, 83.2% were incident. The locals in the Kakheti Oregon near the Eagle Cap Wilderness. by ungulates and 14.6% by large Region have been complaining about the A radio-tracking collar she'd been carnivores. Radio-tracked large frequent assaults of wolves recently. On wearing since 2006 confirmed that she carnivores, brown bear (Ursus arctos), February 5th, a married couple was had migrated from a pack in Idaho. grey wolf (Canis lupus) and Eurasian lynx injured by wolves, another man, Gia Apparently, she's been doing well for (Lynx lynx), expressed strong positive Kakashvili was found dead on the herself in Oregon. Officials have selection for tunnels and viaducts, whilst territory of local cemetery. He had captured excellent video footage of her avoiding small underpasses or bridges. injuries which, according to the experts, in the rugged Imnaha region in the Selection for the use of Dedin green were bites by wolves. (tiny.cc/g27038) northeast corner of the state. She's now bridge was equal to its availability. This n the alpha wolf in an unusually large pack green bridge, constructed as a measure Dogs likely originated in the Middle of 10 animals, including what appears to to mitigate the negative effects of the East, new genetic data indicates. Dogs be a large number of pups. studied highway, serves its purpose likely originated in the Middle East, not www.daily.sightline.org, November acceptably. Territorial and dispersing Asia or Europe, according to a new 2009, (tinyurl.com/yemlzd3) radio-tracked large carnivores crossed genetic analysis by an international team the highway 41 times, during the survey, of scientists led by UCLA biologists. n The permeability of highway in Gorski using both sides of the highway as parts 'Dogs seem to share more genetic kotar (Croatia) for large mammals. The of their home ranges. Overall, the similarity with Middle Eastern grey highway from Zagreb to Rijeka stretches highway in Gorski kotar does not seem wolves than with any other wolf 68.5 km through a wildlife core area in to be a barrier. This demonstrates that population worldwide,' said Robert Gorski kotar (Croatia). It has 43 viaducts it is possible to maintain habitat Wayne, UCLA professor of ecology and and tunnels, and one specifically connectivity during the process of evolutionary biology and senior author constructed (100 m wide) green bridge planning the highway route. of the Nature paper. 'This is the same (Dedin). One quarter of the total area where domestic cats and many of n highway length consists of possible Wolf Attacks in Georgia. Tamaz our livestock originated and where crossing structures. At Dedin green Jaoshvili, 36, a resident of Tsnori village, agriculture first developed,' Wayne bridge, a total of 12,519 crossings have Kakheti Region, was hospitalized with noted. 'We were able to study a broader been recorded during 793 different days bites and scratches he got as the sampling of wolves globally than has of active infrared monitors being in reported wolves assaulted him in his ever been done before, including Middle operation, or 15.8 crossings per day. village. The man had injuries on her left Eastern wolves,' said the paper's lead Two monitored tunnel overpasses had hand and abdomen. The doctors say author, Bridgett von Holdt. 11.2 and 37.0 crossings per day, surgical measures were carried out; (tiny.cc/gupn3)

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 11 Do Wolves Self-Medicate? An investigation into the possibility of self-medication using common herbs in captive wolves (Canis lupus) Victoria J. Allison Hughes

Plants which commonly appear watching the animals that lived in wolf scats throughout North around them? America and Eurasia, with a 14 - 43 % frequency, are grasses from Studies have shown that primates the family Geraminae. It has will use certain plant species to been acknowledged that this aid control of parasite infection as grass possibly acts as a scour or well as provide relief from inducement to vomit, ridding the gastrointestinal upsets; it was intestine of parasites or stomach found that chimpanzees, gorillas of long guard hairs that may and bonobos all choose the same delay the passage of food plant species or species from the through the gut (Ciucci & same genera for similar illnesses, Peterson, 2003). This could be suggesting common criteria in the only documented evidence medicinal plant selection. With of self-medication (Zoopharma- the exception of these few cognosy) in wolves; however, observations no research has there are a large range of been specifically carried out into diseases that wolves are the possibility of self-medication susceptible to, some of which by wolves or any other large could be treated by the use of carnivores. Mosi and Mai sample the herbs medicinal herbs or plants. Scientists from various disciplines he Grey Wolf In areas of the world where Through the process of natural are currently exploring the wolves still remain they are at the selection a range of behavioural possibility that many species use (Canis lupus) is top of the food chain. Being strategies exist which enable all plants, soils, insects and fungi Tthe largest carnivores and opportunistic living organisms to cope with the as 'medicines' in ways that member of the canid predators, studies looking at the range of health threats that come guard against future illness family; a species once wolf's diet through analysis of from injury, poisons, and other (preventative medicine) and/or scat and stomach content shows pathogens (Engel, 2002; Hart, relieve unpleasant symptoms found throughout the it consists mainly of ungulate 1990). Little is known about caused by illness (curative/ northern hemisphere. prey, including deer, moose, elk, the way that animals regulate therapeutic medicine). The study The habitat of the caribou and wild boar. In their health through diet and little of self-medication is not based on southern areas of Eurasia greater research conducted, although it wolf includes the high amounts of plant material have could have many implications ...a range of Arctic, tundra, taiga, been found in wolf scats when in the management of captive strategies exist forests, plains, deserts compared to North America; this species. For millennia humans and virtually every could be a direct result of the have been using plants for which enable greater availability of fruit trees. medicinal purposes; the range of ecological niche which Radio collared wolves in the species used and their scope for all living could provide lowlands of Italy have been healing is vast. The science of organisms to sufficient prey for its monitored as they moved phytotherapy studies the use of through mature vineyards (Ciucci herbal remedies to treat the cope with the existence (Busch, & Peterson, 2003). It was sick, covering everything from 1998). considered that consumption of powerful medicinal plants such range of fruit may provide vitamins for as Digitalis and Belladonna to health threats. wolves during the summer plants with gentle actions months, as even in North America such as chamomile and mint. the assumption that animals it is not uncommon to find seeds Zoopharmacognosy is a term possess an innate ability to know from raspberries and blueberries coined by Dr Eloy Rodriguez in what's good for them. In most in wolf scats (Mech, 2003). 1993; a biochemist and professor cases self-medication could be Cherries, apples, figs, plums, at Cornell University. He motivated by a desire to reduce grapes, melon and watermelon described the process by which unpleasant sensations that could have also been recorded (Ciucci animals select and use specific be caused by illness. & Peterson, 2003). The question plants that contain medicinal remains: do wolves consume properties for the treatment and Plants synthesise defensive these miscellaneous foods during prevention of disease. compounds to protect them- the short periods when they are selves from disease and abundant and their usual choice Is it possible that our human predators; these compounds are of prey is unavailable, or is there ancestors learnt to use plants for bioactive and can be medicinal, another reason? their medicinal properties from toxic or intoxicating depending on

12 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Do Wolves Self-Medicate? An investigation into the possibility of self-medication using common herbs in captive wolves (Canis lupus)

...many species use plants, soils, insects and fungi as 'medicines'.

the circumstances. Medicinal live in three, natural enclosures herbs have played a vital role in measuring approximately 2 acres the development of modern in size; each enclosure is laid to medicine (Fisher et al, 1999). grass with a range of native trees With the current popularity of and bushes, including apple and traditional herbal supplements, pear trees. Wild flowers are also coupled with recent scientific encouraged to grow in the legitimacy in the use of some enclosures which allow them to herbs, more people are be as natural as possible. returning to herbal treatments for both themselves and their The results showed that there animals. Medicinal herbs was a significant level of interest with anti-inflammatory, anti- in the herbs provided with the microbial, immunomodulatory greatest interest shown in Checking rosemary dimensions and/or analgesic properties are rosemary. Each of the packs used in a therapeutic way to took an equal interest overall, better understand the new A long term study would provide treat inflammatory conditions and the interest shown on the additions to their enclosures. the opportunity to investigate and acute infections (Hart, first occasion was equal to the This is enforced by observations these findings further; it is only 2004). interest shown on the second. made by staff and volunteers through such a study that from the UK Wolf Conservation evidence can be gathered to This study looked at the It was the older wolves (North Trust as the wolves were only confirm whether there is a possibility of captive wolves American Pack) that showed the seen interacting with the herbs connection between the plants using provided medicinal herbs most interest in the breadth of during the first two days after provided and the wolves that for the purpose of self- herbs offered which was they were planted in the choose to consume them. medication. The medicinal herbs interesting as, because of age enclosure; no observations were chosen have specific properties and health problems; they made during the latter half of With further research this which are known to have potentially had the most to gain. the week. could change the way that potential benefit to humans and This result was unexpected as it carnivores, particularly non- included rosemary, thyme, could be considered more usual Unfortunately, due to the lack of obligate carnivores, are kept in spearmint and fennel. for younger animals to be more previous research on self- captivity; these studies could adventurous in what they try; medication in wolves or any impact on the types of All three wolf packs living at the this study has shown the other large carnivore; or enrichment provided for such UK Wolf Conservation Trust opposite with the youngest research into the use of the animals, encouraging zoos and were involved in this study. (Canadian) pack taking least medicinal herbs given to the other animal collections to Wolf-proof planters were interest in the herbs. The wolves during this study, on provide specific plants on the constructed to protect the herbs European pack showed a greater animals in general, it is not basis that the animals will use so that they could be accurately interest in mint than the North possible to link the wolves' them in self-medication when measured whilst allowing the American pack but an equal preferences for the herbs with needed. wolves' access to a proportion of amount of interest in fennel. their current medical conditions. the plant. The herbs were The Canadian pack only showed This study, on the whole, Bibliography - full details of all placed in each enclosure for one interest in rosemary and thyme. achieved its main aim providing publications referenced can be week, one at a time, in a random original evidence that it may be found in the full version at order. Over a period of 10 weeks Having no significant difference possible that large carnivores www.ukwolf.org along with a full the wolves were exposed to each in interest between the such as wolves do use medicinal version of the dissertation paper. herb twice. The dimensions packs could link to the idea plants in self-medication. The were taken when planted and behind zoopharmacognosy, as methodology adopted is unique Victoria J. Allison-Hughes again at the end of the week suggested by Rodriguez and to this study and has proven to BSc Upper 2nd Honours before the plants were changed, Wrangham in 1993, that animals be an effective way of measuring Animal Science & Management the differences in these will experiment with different the consumption of each herb by (Royal Agricultural College, measurements were used to plants, motivated by the desire the three wolf packs. Cirencester) gauge the consumption of each to reduce symptoms of disease herb by each pack of wolves. or injury that they may possess. This was a relatively small study, Victoria is currently applying for These measurements allowed The wolves could, in the course on a small sample of captive funding in preparation for for comparisons between herb of this experiment, have been wolves, over a short period of starting her MSc in Wildlife species and preferences sampling the herbs provided, time, using only a tiny selection Biology and Conservation in between wolf packs. The wolves possibly motivated by scent, to of the world's medicinal plants. September 2010.

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 13 15 YEARS AT THE UKWCT This year, the NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED Our current six wolves are very relaxed In order to mark the celebration of 15 and happy in these enclosures and have UK Wolf years since the founding of the UK Wolf really benefited from the extra space, Conservation Trust in May 1995, we are shade and stimulation that they provide. Conservation launching a new website at the end of Trust celebrates May. The Trust is truly indebted to the The revamping of the former volunteer hard work of the volunteers on the building and its transformation into an 15 amazing years. website committee, Darren Prescott and Education Centre in 2007, then the Tsa Palmer, Clive Longbottom who, with their building of the lower observation expertise and tireless efforts, have made platform, have realised most of our founding director, this possible. Under the direction of Anne ambitions. Carter this website has been completely takes a look at written in-house and therefore has cost With the acquisition of a further 23 acres the challenges the Trust very little. We know that it has of adjacent farmland in 2005 the Trust been long overdue and we hope that you now has 50 acres for the wolves to walk faced by the all enjoy the new layout and photos of the on and enjoy. The surrounding fields are Trust, ongoing wolves and the new video clips, as well as home to breeding kites, buzzards, finding the site easier to search for wolf pheasants and owls as well as hare, deer, project support, events and news at the Trust. In addition, foxes and badgers. The wolves are never there will be a lot of wolf information on short of smells on their walks and on many and plans for the the site. occasions one of these animals is startled future. by the wolves and the handlers have to BIRTHDAY CAKE AT TRUST hang on tight! Visitor walks with the OPEN DAY wolves now take place on site. We have We are also planning to celebrate our 15th opened up nature trails and have dug a anniversary year with the wolves on our pond in which children can pond-dip. All Open Day on 31st May. We shall have a of this extra land has made our open days large birthday cake which will be edible possible and we have been able to open for wolves. As many of them have their our doors to the general public. In 2004 birthdays in May we think this will be we were able to have about 4,000 people particularly appropriate! Please do come on site per year - in 2010 we had over along and see them eat their cake if you 10,000. can. We are lucky enough to have Marco Musiani at the Trust on the 31st May WOLF BREEDING SUCCESS launching the second book in the series of Of course our biggest achievement was in A New Era for Wolves and People which 1999 breeding Lunca, Latea and Alba, and is called The World of Wolves: New their sister Luana who went to Paradise perspectives on Ecology, Behaviour and Park. These are the first European wolves Management (see a review of the book on to have been born in the UK since wolves page 18). Marco will be here most of the were extirpated in the 1500s and it means day to talk to people and to sign books, as that we have both North American and will Sue Shimeld the talented artist who is European wolves to show our visitors. Our responsible for the wonderful illustrations current six wolves are a credit to the Trust of wolves in the book. We will also and the Canadian pack, Torak, Mosi and have huskies, birds of prey, pond-dipping Mai are undertaking most of the and reptiles, as well as many other nature- ambassadorial work, as well as Duma who based activities for children to do. is as charismatic as ever.

15 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS Another major highlight for the Trust was The Trust has much to be proud of in its the production of a DVD with young Mosi, first 15 years. Having built the three new Mai and Torak as the stars, called large enclosures a number of years ago, Ambassadors of the Wild, which showed the volunteers have worked tirelessly in the Trust's work, especially in Europe with planting trees, making ponds, mounds, the projects we support. Since 2005 we platforms and many features for the have managed to send over £80,000 to wolves to have a high standard of living! support wolf projects in Armenia, Greece,

14 UKWCT WOLF PRINT 15 YEARS AT THE UKWCT Bulgaria, Croatia, Ethiopia, South Kazakhstan, Latvia, USA, France and Russia as well as building up funds should the wolves ever have to leave their site in Beenham.

EDUCATION AT THE TRUST Our education programme has come on won for human/wolf co- in leaps and bounds - in 2006 Toni existence and tolerance. Shelbourne was appointed Education Education is the key tool in Officer and raised the profile of our helping to change attitudes education activities. She has delivered and behaviours towards exciting and innovative education wolves and other large initiatives for children and adults alike. carnivores. The UKWCT will When the new education room opened continue to develop its she soon welcomed schools, colleges, dog education programmes and trainers and other such interested groups reach out to as many people to well-presented talks and lectures on all as possible through our aspects of wolves and their behaviour. own education initiatives and This programme is now assisted by Vicky supporting other programmes Hughes who joined the team as assistant throughout Europe and the rest education officer in 2008. of the world. We hope to achieve this and more in the OVERSEAS PROJECTS next 15 years. Vicky piloted the student exchange scheme in September 2007 as she was Tsa Palmer then a student who volunteered at the Director Trust. The Trust has been sponsoring the Balkani Wildlife Society for many years and the newly built Large Carnivore Pictures Education Centre at Vlahi, in the Pirin This page from top: Mountains, now accepts students on a Ÿ The Trust's nine wolves in regular basis. Eight students sponsored 2006 by the Trust have been there, experiencing Ÿ Kenai at first hand the wolf research as well as Ÿ Roger Palmer with Alba, the day to day work in looking after and Lunca, Latea, Duma and tending animals at the centre which Dakota, in the days when include wolves, a bear and Karakachan these wolves lived as one Herd Protection Dogs. pack Ÿ Torak, Mosi and Mai Ÿ WOLF PRINT KEEPS YOU Children's author Michelle Paver with fans, ENTERTAINED Trust volunteers and Wolf Print, the Trust's flagship magazine, Duma at the new is up-to-date and informative with wolf pool © Newbury experts from around the world Weekly News contributing alongside news from the Opposite: Ÿ Trust. It is probably the most widely-read Denali wolf magazine in Europe, if not the world Background picture: and we hope to sell this in the public Ÿ Duma, by Darren domain in the near future. Prescott

THE FUTURE Wolf conservation is as important today as it was 20 or 30 years ago. Wolves continue to face a harsh life in many parts of the world and the battle is not yet

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 15 Conservation in practice: a portrait of the reality

hen we think of conservation work in the field, we tend to imagine it being rather straightforward. We imagine Wgovernment and local support of such moral efforts to help protect endangered species, with legislation put in place to aid this process. We imagine that a team of biologists are given funding UKWCT EXCHANGE STUDENT and support in order to go about their research making a positive PETE HASWELL REPORTS difference to the animals or habitats they aim to conserve. Unfortunately in practice it is not so simple.

uring late 2009 I spent three months be more accurate by biologists (approx A lack of government support and in the mountain village of Vlahi in 700-900 Wolves). The lack of support from appropriate legislation leaves wolves DBulgaria volunteering on a large the government makes conservation very unprotected in Bulgaria. Although restricted carnivore conservation project run difficult. The project to rifles as the sole singlehandedly by biologist Elena Sedefchevi in recent years had A lack of government method of (except for the help of occasional volunteers funding from "LIFE", termination, many and workers on her husband Sider's rare but this was cut due support leaves wolves wolves suffer other livestock breeds project). I went out as part to a lack of unprotected in Bulgaria. fates and the of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust's student government support policing of such exchange project to learn about the reality which is ludicrous considering they require incidents is very lax. Very early on in my stay of working in the field. Elena, although funding to gather evidence in order to we received a tip-off from Elena's friend who having colleagues (Balkani Wildlife Society) change government policies. During my happens to be mayor of a town called working with other large carnivores, is time in Bulgaria a member of the Swiss Oshtavo. Two adult wolves, a male and currently the only biologist in Bulgaria government contacted Elena to find out her female, were retrieved from hunters by conducting field research with wolves. The views of his idea to export Swiss wolves to Elena and myself for data collection. This government have refused numerous Bulgaria as they were becoming too was a difficult situation which Elena handled applications to protect the wolf in Bulgaria; numerous. I think this summarises the lack in a relaxed manner and managed to they are seen by most as plentiful pests. of knowledge regarding wolves in some retrieve the bodies, explaining that this Forestry estimates of the wolf population governments nicely. saves the hunter disposing of them as the range at over double the figures thought to law requires at a special facility; this,

Herd protection dog Education building showing slingshot marks on left side

16 UKWCT WOLF PRINT however, rarely happens in practice. Elena The large carnivore centre provides employment and had her suspicions as to the methods of the wolves' deaths with stories of their demise revenue for the local area. seeming far-fetched with slip-ups by the tellers, known hunters in the area. The the farmers I have encountered neither hate estimated to weigh 43kg, with highly stomach contents of the wolves was taken nor like the wolf; they simply accept its developed testes, was becoming ready for and analysed. It turned out that the wolves existence. They accept that they will lose the breeding season; unfortunately he and were illegally poisoned. Elena reported her animals to large carnivores, it's just the way his mate were denied the opportunity to findings to the mayor expecting him to deal it has always been. Many don't even bother raise a family of what would surely have with the problem on a local level without her to collect compensation from various been very healthy cubs. losing future chances of retrieving wolves schemes put in place by conservation from hunters for analysis. The mayor, charities. The main opposition that the Although this article paints a gloomy picture however, responded very angrily and was conservation project faces on a local scale is it is important to realise the difficulty of unhappy that we had conducted post from hunters. During my stay the centre's conservation work especially involving a mortems; he now refuses to give Elena carnivore building suffered vandalism by species as persecuted as the wolf. It is to slingshot (imitating bullet holes). This is the credit of biologists like Elena who It turned out the wolves suspected to have been carried out by local constantly work against such opposition and were illegally poisoned. hunters who had previously illegally killed a tragic incidents such as those detailed in this bear in the area and who oppose the article. I am overwhelmed by their future information about wolves brought in involvement of the centre in the legal commitment to such causes and am inspired that could potentially be analysed. Although protection of the bear in Bulgaria. A fox tail by how much they are willing to deal with the wolves had been culled using an illegal trimmed of its red hairs to appear like a wolf and yet still do not give in and keep fighting. method, the lack of support from local tail was also found by me hung outside the It is people such as these who we have to authorities and solidarity of local people captive wolves' enclosure. Many of the thank for the current and continued makes it difficult for prosecutions to actually guard dogs have also been killed by hunters existence of many vulnerable species. take place. and one disappeared the same day the fox tail appeared and this is suspected to have Peter Haswell - Bsc Upper 2nd Honours The two adult wolves were thought to be of been the action of hunters. These are all Environmental Science (Biodiversity and the Rabish pack, local to the Pirin Mountains tactics used by the local hunting group in an Conservation) from University of surrounding Vlahi. A few weeks later a dead attempt to bully Elena and Sider into Southampton. wolf cub, less than a year old, still with milk abandoning their work which opposes the teeth and weighing only 13kg, was brought unscrupulous behaviour of the hunters who Pete is currently working towards his to the centre by our shepherds. It transpired are known to be very trigger happy. Masters and will hopefully be working with that the cub had attempted to attack the Fortunately, the large carnivore centre and Josip Kusak in Croatia, a project which the livestock and the Karakachan guarding dogs Sider's rare breed projects (Semperviva) UKWCT also supports. See pages 15 & 26 had done their job and killed the cub. We provide a lot of employment and revenue for more information on Croatia. strongly suspect that it was the offspring of for the local area; he and Elena are very the two poisoned adults. Left with no popular figures amongst the rest of the local parents to help guide in decisions of when, population. where and which prey to hunt, the cub made a fatal error in attacking the livestock. The My main conservation activities in Bulgaria guard dogs since introduced have not lost a centred on the radio tracking of a wild wolf single sheep or goat to carnivores when the named Tipik who had migrated away from dogs have stayed with the herd. Although the Pirin Mountains, and settled in a the loss of the wolf cub was sad it shows the neighbouring range. After tracking Tipik for effectiveness of the dogs as a method for almost three months he disappeared. After the coexistence of large carnivores and trying for over a week to locate him we got livestock herders. Another a mortality signal, signifying cub from the Rabish pack was The main his death. After much reportedly trapped by opposition the tracking we retrieved his hunters in the local area only radio collar which was found to have escaped upon their conservation dumped in the Strumyani return to the trapping site. project faces River, south west of Vlahi. Wolf scats were found by After tip-offs and inquiring Elena and me in the Rabish on a local with local people we also pack's territory which either scale is from managed to retrieve his indicates dispersing wolves, discarded body lacking skin or possibly wolves locating to hunters. and head, clearly taken for the area to fill the void left by the removal the £50 bounty the forestry commission of the adults, so wolves have not been dispenses. Days previously we had also completely eradicated from the area. retrieved a female skin which had been dumped in a garbage container outside the Interestingly livestock such as cattle and Strumyani forestry agency after the bounty horses are often left to graze unprotected had been collected. We suspect this to have by dogs or shepherds. In general most of been Tipik's mate. Tipik, a very healthy wolf

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 17 Makingwolves in the media Tracks and the arts

as a rhino keeper in Chester Zoo. NICK MACKMAN This inspirational experience was born in 1972 in Beverley, Yorkshire. allowed her to get involved with a After taking a foundation course in art and wide variety of species and to design at York College of Art and watch, touch and study the nature Technology, she went on to study of animals intimately. ceramics at Carmarthenshire College of Technology and Art, for which she was Nick now concentrates on both awareness, awe and awarded a distinction and achieved domestic and wild animals. She details the wonder of the strangeness of the animal 'Student of the Year 1993'. Her study of mannerisms and character of animals kingdom and its complex survival ceramics continued at the University of through sketches and photography with structures and systems. I hope that my Wales Institute in Cardiff. During her reference to, and research from, books, pieces will encourage understanding and formative years she developed a great magazines and wildlife documentaries. She compassion from the human individual love for animals, especially dogs. She enjoys exploring the day-to-day life of an which in turn will result in a deeper level began by expressing this love on canvas animal, from scratching, sniffing and of enjoyment, respect and admiration for until she discovered the wonders of clay stretching to subtle courtships and intimate the beauty in the beast." The material for and began specialising in animal gestures between mother and child. Nick Nick Mackman's pieces is T-material, the modelling, during which time she worked Mackman says of her work: "When making strongest clay type, with paper pulp which an animal, I first consider the character of gives a strong but lightweight result. the animal, such as the pride and grace in Occasionally she uses papier-mâché on the giraffe, and try to emulate this through delicate extremities as it lends itself well its stance, movement and expression. to clay and has the great advantage of Some of my animals are relatively unknown being unbreakable. or highly endangered. It is with these animals that I try to bridge the gap in Collectors of her work include: Dame Judi current public perception. I aim to Dench, John Cleese, John Nettles, Chris enlighten people to the beauty, humour Packham, June Whitfield and Sir John and tenderness of those animals that are Mills. largely seen or represented as purely aggressive, dangerous or ugly. Above all, I Nick is based near Okehampton in hope that humankind will feel the Devon; for more information about her individuality of each animal and appreciate and her work visit her website: its intrinsic beauty. The passion which www.nickmackman.com powers my work has evolved from my

CANINE BEHAVIOR This is an immensely interesting and The author has been a clinical mental health A Photo Illustrated Handbook informative book packed full of mainly black counsellor for forty years, much of her early and white photos of dogs, wolves, and other work focusing on relationship therapy with Barbara Handelman, M.Ed, CDBC animals, in action. In some ways it bears a non-verbal children and leading her to Paperback, 345pp, £25.00, 21.5cm x 28cm resemblance to the Ethology handbooks become a careful observer of human body ISBN 978-1-55238-269-1 showing body positions of wolves to language. This led to studying the ways that indicate their mood. However, this book dogs use their bodies to communicate and goes much deeper and the photos of actual many of the photos in the book are of her animals demonstrating innumerable own dogs. behaviours are not only educational but fascinating to dog owners, trainers, The author is a Certified Dog Behaviour breeders and aficionados of wolves alike. Consultant and for the last twenty years has The comparison of wolf and dog behaviour had a second career as a professional patterns is strikingly similar. photographer.

The beautiful photos draw you into the book The book is a great read, an education, a joy and then, intrigued as to what an animal's to look at, and is well worth buying. There behaviour signifies you will find yourself is even a quiz at the back so that you can engrossed in the explanation and eager to test your knowledge of ‘Canine Behavior’! read more. Also included are photos of It is available from the www.ukwolf.org wolves from Wolf Park by renowned on line shop. photographer Monty Sloan (who is also featured opposite). Angela Barrow

18 UKWCT WOLF PRINT MONTY SLOAN IMAGES OF WOLVES have been captured on film and digitally by wildlife photographer - make that Wolf photographer - Monty Sloan. Monty has been photographing wolves since 1984 and has worked professionally as staff photographer at Wolf Park in Indiana, USA since 1988. However, he has been taking photographs nearly his entire life. His website www.wolfphotography.com provides the ultimate resource for images of the wolf. The good selection of images on the wolfphotography website include true-to-life images in both colour and artistic black and white; photographic prints are available that depict everything from beautiful portraits to hunting, howling, numerous social interactions and even pups, as well as artistically created images using a number of original photos. Although the site is mostly wolves, Monty has started posting images of other animals and future plans are Monty also runs photo seminars at Wolf to include some of landscapes, sunsets and Park in March, April and in the autumn when other nature photographs. For the camera the wolves look their best; for most of the enthusiasts Monty currently uses a 16MP seminars participants have Wolf Park to Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital camera. themselves. Monty has been photographing Before he went digital in autumn 2001, he the wolves at Wolf Park since they were used a Nikon F5 and before that a Nikon F4. pups, so they are experienced models as Some of his early work was done with a well as being well socialised. For further number of different Nikon cameras and information: http://www.wolfpark.org/ lenses. photo_seminar.html

THE WORLD OF WOLVES he grey wolf is one of the world's most It is available, along with the first book, from polarizing and charismatic species. the www.ukwolf.org on line shop. New Perspectives on Ecology, TRespected, adored, or held in awe by Behaviour and Management many as an icon of wilderness, wolves have Marco Musiani, PhD, is an assistant professor also sparked fear and hatred when they have of landscape ecology at the University of Edited by Marco Musiani, Luigi Boitani come into conflict with human presence. Not Calgary and is also affiliated with the and Paul Pacquet surprisingly, they are one of the most University of Montana. He was born in Rome, intensively studied mammalian species in the the city of the famous she-wolf, and has Paperback, 352pp, 15.3cm x 22.8cm wild. conducted research and published ISBN 978-1-55238-269-1 internationally on wolf management. The World of Wolves offers a fresh and provocative look at current trends in wolf and Luigi Boitani is the head of the Department wildlife management. Representative case of Animal and Human Biology at the studies, from geographically and culturally University of Rome, and a leading authority diverse areas of the world, highlight the on wolves. He has conducted an extended existing interconnections between wolves, series of research and conservation projects their prey, their habitat, their ecosystems and on the Italian wolf population, which has people, and the role of science in policy recovered dramatically in the last thirty years. formation and wolf management. In He has authored more than two hundred addition, the studies involve many issues, for peer-reviewed scientific publications and example population genetics and livestock eight books. husbandry practices, that are entry points into larger aspects of ecology and evolution. Paul Paquet, PhD, is an adjunct professor This book will appeal to conservationists, with the Faculties of Biology and of scientists, wildlife managers, and anyone Environmental Design at the University of seeking a better understanding of wolves and Calgary. He has studied wolves for more than their co-existence with us. thirty-five years, is considered an authority on carnivore ecology, and was the founder This is the second book in the New Era for and director of the Central Rockies Wolf Wolves and People series which the UK Wolf Project in Canmore, Alberta. Conservation Trust has contributed to.

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 19 The Wolves of Wildwood

Three European Wolves must be the most iconic and charismatic of all the wolves from the lost animals of Britain. People who see them for the first time often use the word 'spiritual' to describe them UK Wolf and, if you are trying to tell the story of the wildlife of this tiny island, wolves are a key Conservation part of it.

This is why we were so keen to see wolves Trust joined return to our Kentish woodland, both to try to show people what we have lost through Wildwood Centre, our ancestors' actions, and also as a terrible example of how much more we stand to lose if we continue to destroy wild places and the now Wildwood animals that live there.

Trust, in 1999. The three UKWCT Europeans wolves - male Apollo with females Luna and Athena - came to the then Wildwood Centre, an innovative This is their story. project set up in 1999 to tell the story of a Kentish woodland and the animals and people that had inhabited it over the last 1,000 years. This became Wildwood Trust - a British wildlife conservation charity - in 2002 and is now home to most native mammal species past and present, reptiles, amphibians and many birds. It is a visitor centre for the public, a centre for the conservation and captive breeding of UK endangered species, is pioneering the use of wild horses in habitat management schemes across Kent and developing a growing reputation in wildlife education and research.

The three wolves settled in quickly, enjoying the cover offered by mature sweet chestnut coppice.

The three wolves settled in quickly, enjoying the cover offered by mature sweet chestnut coppice, silver birch and oak trees which dominate our site in the Blean Forest, (one of the largest woodlands left in southern England), and digging dens and surface scrapes in the woodland floor. My first impression on seeing them was that this must have been what people long ago would have seen - just a shadowy movement between the trees before you realised you were being watched, one half of a wolf's wary face just visible behind the tree, one paw, one shoulder showing - nothing more to give it away. Wonderful!

Winter 1999/2000 was exceptionally wet in southern England and the woodland was often waterlogged or flooded. We built houses on stilts for the wolves and filled 20 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Luna Anne Riddell The Wolves of Wildwood Head of Education at the Wildwood Trust

them with fresh straw, which they resolutely They were rushed to the vet in the hope that who had not been with them regularly since ignored, preferring to be out in the open in they could be stabilised and rapidly returned they were pups and we could no longer bring their scrapes. to Luna but unfortunately they were very them out to meet the public. So an poorly and still being cared for at the surgery enclosure was built for them, next to the In spring 2000 Luna, the dominant female, when their eyes opened. So, instead of main wolf pack, and here they have became pregnant and, as the weather bonding with a grey, shadowy wolf mother remained, wonderful ambassadors for their improved, she dug an underground den in the dark security of the den, they bonded wild cousins, friendly, tails waving and ears where she gave birth to pups in early May. under fluorescent lights with the vet, one of crunkled, banishing all thoughts of Little Red Unfortunately, two days later torrential the few men that they still welcome eagerly Riding Hood. overnight thunderstorms flooded the still today. By the time they were well enough sodden ground. When staff came in the next to rejoin us, they were thoroughly imprinted Next door are the rest of their family. We morning, the whole woodland was awash. and uninterested in their parents, who in still have Apollo, a grizzled and arthritic Animal rescues were being mounted turn would have nothing to do with them. father of the pack, his son Akela (born to everywhere - newborn wild boar piglets After several attempts to reunite them, we Athena a few weeks after Nadja and were floating in their enclosure, hazel were advised to abandon any hopes of Michka), daughter Amber (born 2002) and dormice, still hibernating in nests on the putting them back together and to hand rear son Io (2004). Athena, who was always woodland floor, had to be scooped up from the two girls. They were sent initially to a picked on, went to Norfolk Wildlife Park with the muddy floodwaters, dried out and re- wolf expert who'd hand-reared pups two offspring in 2005. Luna sadly died the housed, and the only sign of the wolf pups previously - as a new organisation we had same year. For nights afterwards, the pack's was one limp body in Luna's mouth as she no pup rearing experience and these were individual lilting calls to her, one wolf after paddled through the floodwater. far too precious to practise on - before another, stopping and listening for her reply, coming back to us at about six weeks old. were heartbreaking. One of the newest keepers found herself being unceremoniously Nadja and Michka, given Romanian girls' Midwinter this year at the full moon I ran a turned upside down by the rest of the names in deference to their Eastern guided night tour of the park and it is now European ancestry, now became Wildwood that the sense of wildness and history team, held by her ankles celebrities. Visitors still remember them between human and wolf really makes itself walking round the park on little red leads, Unable to accept the potential outcome of meeting everyone, playing tug o' war with 'The earth's moving', these dreadful conditions, we looked for their succession of teddy bears and one girl whispered, as she someone small enough to negotiate a wolf generally delighting and charming everyone watched the silent shapes den and tough enough to do so in dark, with their inquisitiveness and exuberance, muddy floodwater. One of the newest melting in and out of the trees. keepers was volunteered and found herself Walking the girls was a being unceremoniously turned upside down military exercise felt. In between the dark trees and the silver by the rest of the team, held by her ankles moonlit ground, the pack slipped from black and dunked in the floods like a biscuit in a while leaving everyone in their wake shadow to shadow. 'The earth's moving,' cup of tea. We knew roughly where the den covered in increasingly large muddy prints one girl whispered, as she watched the silent was - it just took a little time to find it exactly and slobber. As they grew bigger and dark shapes melting in and out of the trees. - and we eventually thrust her into the den stronger, they went for walks in the woods Then Nadja's long, low voice flowed out over mouth with instructions to kick her feet outside, hunting bank voles along the rides the frosty air, Michka chimed in with her when she needed to breathe. After and stripping bramble bushes of their fruit. higher yip-yipping and every pack member frustrated attempts to reach the end of the Walking the girls was a military exercise - gradually joined in the song. 'How many den, it became clear that Luna had prepared one keeper per wolf plus scouts to watch out wolves can you hear?' I asked. Twenty to for rain and had dug a V-shaped den - we for potential incidents, asking walkers to put thirty was the answer. If just six wolves, had been ramming our keeper their dogs on a lead as we went past - Nadja singing in one small corner of an English unsuccessfully into the bottom of the V. and Michka showed a deep interest in toy woodland, can make people appreciate with When she stretched her arms up over her breeds - and asking cyclists to dismount until a pang just a little of what we have lost and head, she found the other arm of the den we had passed by. There is nothing a wolf want to take care of what we have left, then continuing and was able to reach along and likes more than the sight of a man in white our wolves have done an amazing job in feel something at the end of it. Grabbing all cycling shorts pedalling furiously ahead - if converting humans to conservation. she could find, she kicked to come out. your dog likes chasing cars, you'll appreciate the wolves' reaction to those legs trundling Anne Riddell Smothered in mud, it was hardly possible to round and round! Several times we'd get make out the shapes in her arms but these towed through nettle stands and over log Wildwood Trust is on the A291 between Canterbury and Herne Bay in East Kent. It is open year round turned out to be pups - two females. Cold, piles by an enthusiastic wolf hunting a (closed for three days over Christmas). Check the wet, suffering from hypothermia and bicycle as its red-faced owner ignored calls website www.wildwoodtrust.org for more dehydration, it seems they had huddled in a to stop and let the wolves go past! information. small air pocket at the far end of the den. Sadly, all this came to an end once the girls Luna must have pulled out one of the pups turned three years old. They'd always had Note from the Editor: Wildwood is well worth a visit. before the water defeated her, but it had favourite keepers and others that they knew There are great plans afoot to increase the size of the wolves' enclosure in the near future. sadly died. The two girls were barely alive. less well. They now started to reject people ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 21 New wolf merchandise: gifts and souvenirs for family, friends and you.

FLEECE GILETS £21.99

Dense, compact pile fleece for improved wearer warmth. Two zipped pockets and elastic draw tie. Embroidered with the UKWCT logo. 100% polyester anti-pill fleece. UKWCT TEE-SHIRTS £16.00 Colours: Bright Royal and Classic Red Sizes: XS (34/36"), S (36/38"), M (38/40"), L (40/42"), XL (42/44"), 2XL (44/46") Cotton crew-neck tee-shirts embroidered with the UKWCT logo to the front and printed with a set of wolf paw prints on Wolf Pack Maiden the reverse. 100% cotton.

Shy Wolf Colours: Slate Grey, Kiwi, Honey, Irish Green Sizes: S (34/36"), M (38/40"), L (42/44"), XL (46/48"), 2XL (50/52")

UKWCT JUTE SHOPPING BAG £4.25

Stop using those plastic carrier bags and support the UKWCT! Wolf Spirit Shield Size: 17½ x 14"/45 x 35cm with 4" / 10cm gusset.

Full Moon Silhouette 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MUG £6.50

THE MOUNTAIN® TEE-SHIRTS Porcelain mug to celebrate £18.00 the 15th anniversary of the founding of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust. Cotton crew-neck tee-shirts from the Heart of New England. Pre-washed, pre-shrunk, hand-dyed with eco-friendly water-based dyes. 100% cotton.

Sizes: M (38"), L (40"), XL (45"), 2XL (47") White Wolf Moon

22 UKWCT WOLF PRINT New wolf merchandise: gifts and souvenirs for family, friends and you.

UKWCT CANDLES £8.50

Featuring each of the UKWCT's Canadian pack members Mosi, Mai and Torak with the Trust's name and website on the reverse. Unscented. Gift-wrapped in cellophane with red ribbon bow. Approximately 50 hours burning time. Size: 4 x 3"/ 90 x 75mm.

Please state choice of wolf when ordering.

WOLF COASTERS £2.65 each Wipe clean coasters Featuring UKWCT wolves. Size: 10cm/4" square. Assorted.

WOLF CARDS BY LYNDSEY SELLEY £2.00 each PICTISH WOLF £5.50 LAPEL PIN £5.00 Pewter pictish wolf pendant 35mm Pewter howling wolf lapel pin. Beautiful wolf paintings by Lyndsey Selley. x 30mm with cord (not shown). 30mm x 25mm The cards are blank inside for your own messages. Size: 20cm x 14.2cm/8x5½". Supplied with envelope.

UKWCT LANYARD £2.95

Ideal for your conferences or security cards.

To view and order our other clothing, gifts and souvenirs, visit our website: www.ukwolf.org or call 0118 971 3330

Please note: all UK orders are subject to a minimum P&P charge of £4.50. For overseas orders,ISSUE please 40 SUMMER contact 2010 us. 23 Les Loup Du Gevaudan

Darren Prescott visits a French wolf centre

stone-built buildings which have been converted into gîtes, a quintessentially French form of self-catering. This proved an ideal (and cheap) way of seeing the wolf centre, for you can buy a pass allowing unlimited access to the wolf centre for the duration of your stay.

Very little English was spoken in the whole Several years ago Darren THE WOLF CENTRE advertises itself as area, thus it was a bit of an adventure! My having over 100 wolves in "semi liberty", GCSE French was pushed to its limits as I Prescott, wolf handler at set over 50 acres. By my reckoning that worked around the deposit and various the UKWCT, came across a makes it one of the biggest wolf centres in "house rules" - but a few minutes later I was brochure in a French the world. in the Gîte de Grand Vincent, unpacking. tourist office advertising a The first thing of note is that the site is in It was late in the day and the wolf centre large wolf centre in the the middle of nowhere, albeit not far from itself was about to close, so I postponed my south of France. This year a (newly-built) motorway that bisects the first visit until the following day. I woke a he decided to pay a visit, département. The wolf centre sits halfway few times in the night and indeed I heard up a mountain, around 1100m above sea- howling - sadly, only the wind! with a view to seeing how level. This affords excellent views across a wolf centre works in an the surrounding countryside and it's not AFTER A LONG NIGHT it was time to enter area that's just started hard to imagine wild wolves slinking the wolf centre itself. Beyond a large set of amongst the wooded mountainside. gates surmounted by iron wolves was a seeing wild wolves for the modern, airy building with a reception desk, first time in decades. The wolf centre is based around the hamlet café, shop and wooden decking viewing of Saint-Lucie, which consists of several platform, overlooking their Polish wolf pack. There was also a side exit to their (deserted) museum, which rivals the International Wolf Center in terms of size and scope. Amongst dozens (if not hundreds) of photos, there are information boards giving all sorts of facts and figures about wolves, a small cinema, a separate video area, viewing windows and a special "wolf den" for children.

Back out into the light of day and the first wolves you'll see are the Polish wolves, a massive pack with around 27 animals in an enclosure of a few acres in size. Just up from there are the new arrivals for 2009, a small pack of five Arctic wolves. These, like all their wolves, aren't socialised, but if you crouch down by the fence I found they'll come right up and observe you - wolves are curious creatures, after all!

Further along the (hilly) path are Siberian wolves, again in a long enclosure. I'm not sure how many of these they had as they

24 UKWCT WOLF PRINT were very elusive, making good use of the wolf howls). It turns out that heavily wooded hillside to hide from view. the wolves seldom howl, The Mongolian wolves were similarly hard maybe once or twice a night to spot; they were in the largest enclosure at most and usually during the in the park. Next up were the North winter half of the year. It American wolves, a mixed pack containing seems the UKWCT wolves are everything from black to light grey wolves, much noisier in comparison! all of the c. l. occidentalis subspecies - the same as the UKWCT's North American THE FOLLOWING DAY I wolves. These wolves seemed the headed out to explore the rest friendliest around people, with one of the of the local area (there are workers feeding them treats through the lots of caves nearby, along fence during one of their guided tours. The with the picturesque Tarn route ended with a children's play area and Gorge). In the afternoon I (opposite) a large area of decking arrived back and to my overlooking the Polish wolves. delight it was feeding time. This consisted of the keepers I spent most of the rest of that day in driving around on a flat-bed Marvejols, the nearby fortified town. It's a truck and hurling large chunks quaint and compact town (reminding me of meat over the fences to the very much of Canterbury for some reason) wolves. It seems in France the and wolves feature prominently. There was keepers can't enter enclosures - a fountain with wolves spurting water from it was made illegal in 1998. It their mouths, a variety of shops including was fascinating to see the the P'tit Loup Pizza restaurant and a large behaviour of the wolves, as (stuffed) wolf mounted in their tourism there's far more competition than office. In the centre of the town is a large with ours; there was a dominant iron statue of a wolf, commemorating the male in the Polish pack, for legendary "Beast of Gévaudan" - an example, who kept chasing other especially ferocious wolf that caused much wolves from the biggest chunks of damage hundreds of years ago. meat even though he was satiated Refreshingly, wolves are seen in a positive and had no use for them. I'd highly recommend a visit but if you plan light in the area, a marked change from the to visit I'd suggest brushing up on your eastern area of Lozère where wolves are ALL TOO SOON though closing time came French - it's a world away from areas such intensely disliked by many in the rural around and it was time to leave. The as Calais! areas. I managed to get back in time for a following morning dawned with torrential whirlwind second visit of the wolf centre, rain and as the "check out" time of the gîte http://www.loupsdugevaudan.com/ just prior to their closing. was an hour before the park opened I decided to get a head start on my journey Darren Prescott That night I woke around 1am and, on a to Lyon, the second part of the break. whim, opened the window and pulled back the heavy shutters. I was rewarded by a Overall the park seemed excellent; the All photos by Darren Prescott moonlit vista, the wind whipping around wolves looked happy and contented and I Opposite: the stone house and - yes - a low, mournful saw no pacing on any of the three visits Top: Polish wolves howling. It was shortly joined by more there. It was also interesting seeing the Bottom: entrance to the park wolves and I spent a surreal ten minutes or different types of Eurasian wolf, as they're so listening to the howling and rallying. quite distinct from each other. This page from top: Despite the massive number of wolves on Unsurprisingly, our European wolves seem Polish wolf site, it sounded like only a dozen or so closest to the Polish pack in terms of Polish wolf howling (and in reality, probably less than appearance, no surprise given their mother Arctic wolf that due to the way harmonics work with Luna's eastern European heritage. Local countryside

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 25 RECENT UKWCT DONATIONS TO WOLF PROJECTS

groups in possibly working together, the first conservation efforts in the region. Alistair GREECE: £6500 step in any human dimension effort. One of is going to begin to explore attitudes and Human Dimensions: Working with rural the key issues is the loss of carnivores, beliefs of rural Greek residents toward people toward conservation of wolves and particularly brown bears more so than wolves in an area of a proposed trans- brown bears in the trans-border area of wolves, because of new highway boundary park between Bulgaria, Albania Greece, Bulgaria and Albania infrastructure through large carnivore and Greece. The area close to the border habitat. While efforts have been made to has bears and wolves, and further south build green bridges (areas where large below the 39th parallel wolves do exist but carnivores can safely cross the highway), are subject to different management based there have still been bear-vehicle collisions on EU regulations. The objective would due to inadequate fencing on parts of the be to better understand the attitudes highway. This initial visit provided of local residents so to identify potential opportunities to view the habitat, become "hot spots" of conflict and target these areas familiar with the key issues, meet some of with extra conservation efforts (e.g. the key players and gauge interest in educational efforts, law enforcement, working together toward solutions. guardian programs, livestock preventative Charilaos Pilidis, a representative of Callisto techniques, etc). accompanied Alistair Bath acting as driver, translator and colleague during this initial In addition, these monies from the UKWCT Alistair Bath in Greece, looking at bear fencing exploratory research trip. The positive news will support a different project in Greece is a willingness to develop a cooperative focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a An initial research trip funded by UKWCT project that will help better engage local new wolf CD produced recently. This would (£2000) organised in September 2009 began people in conservation efforts toward be done using an experimental research the process of listening to the various wolves and brown bears. design in a variety of schools so to truly interest groups about their concerns assess whether the program has increased regarding wolves and brown bears in In March 2010, the UKWCT contributed an knowledge and influenced attitudes. The northern Greece. Meetings with local additional 7000 euros to this initiative to purpose is not only to evaluate the existing politicians, shepherds, biologists and one of begin the data collection, support travel CD but be able to refine messages and the key conservation groups in the area, expenses and local salaries to understand produce even better educational efforts that Callisto, were conducted. The objective was and address the key issues of the local would target messages most directly linked to share with groups the nature of what a people in northern Greece in this trans- to attitude, and thus more likely to influence human dimensions project could offer and border area near Bulgaria and Albania. positive conservation behaviour. to explore interest amongst the various These funds will further assist Callisto in its

CROATIA: £4000 ETHIOPIA: £4000

Ÿ Capture and mark two or three wolves, and one lynx. Ÿ Continue the survey of mortality of both species, as well as their food habits. Ÿ Continue to actively contribute to implemen- tation of lynx and wolf management plans. Ÿ Monitor and implement Setting up sand traps and detectors to monitor additional transparency the use of the green highways. mitigation structures on all The UKWCT has provided funding to the transportation routes that With the support of the UKWCT, the Ethiopian Wolf Croatian Wolf Research Project since cause direct mortality or Conservation Programme has seven wolf monitors in the 2006. Each year the funding is spent on contribute to habitat field at all times, following the wolves and collecting data field work. Radio telemetry is one of most fragmentation. on their behaviour, breeding success and health. The powerful means to reveal the relevant Ÿ Continue to track the monitors are the first to spot signs of disease in the various biological features of wolves and lynx, and remaining five (out of wolf packs, and are able to alert the scientific crew in time their prey; roe and red deer. The project initial 10) radio-collared for them to take preventative actions. In addition, two vet also continues to gather data from all roe deer and red-deer. teams work to vaccinate over 6000 domestic dogs each year other available data sources: dead Ÿ Begin the use of trap in villages surrounding wolf populations. This helps to animals, genetics, fresh scats, prey species cameras to individually prevent the spread of rabies to the wolves. The ongoing situation, and contacts with local distinguish and count lynx. education programme works with local school children, inhabitants. The intention is to teaching them the value of conservation and instilling in introduce this method as them a sense of pride and ownership in the afro-alpine in The 2010 action plan for the project is to: official for monitoring lynx general, and the Ethiopian wolves in particular. They distribution and density in conduct outreach work within the local communities to Ÿ Continue the radio-tracking of marked the whole lynx range in teach about the dangers of rabies, and encourage locals to wolves and lynx. Croatia. vaccinate their dogs. 26 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Forthcoming events at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Mobility Walk Thursday, 1st September, 2pm Predator to Pet Workshop For those unable to come on our full two or Wolf to Woof! hour walks due to mobility issues, we Saturdays* 26th June, 18th September, 13th November offer special mobility walks at the Wolf Join us for an exciting and fast-moving workshop developed in association with Centre. These take place a couple of Wolf Park of Indiana. You will: times a year, usually in the summer half Ÿ examine the genetic evidence of the relationship between dogs and wolves of the year when the ground is firm. Ÿ look at domestication vs socialisation Ÿ learn about the taxonomy of canids The event starts with a PowerPoint Ÿ walk with ambassador wolves, seeing firsthand the ancestor of today's dogs presentation in the education centre and Ÿ then a short walk around the site, with receive a gift as a memento of the day the chance to meet the wolves up close. This hands-on workshop will chart the domestication of dogs from their wild There is a large area of gravelled path roots to the present day... and much more besides. around the enclosures which allows good viewing of all the wolves. Walking with wolves included! £50 per person - places limited - booking essential The wolves are happy around Tel: 0118 971 3330 Email: [email protected] wheelchairs and the events offer an ideal NEW! Kids' Wolf to Woof Workshop - see below... *all workshops start at 10am opportunity to see wolves firsthand. Cost £75 for two people. Comes with a year's membership to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust. Booking essential. Children's events at Trust Kids' Wolf to Woof Workshop Adult Wolf Keeper Tuesday, 3rd August, 10am-1pm, 8 years+ Ever wondered how the wild wolf turned into the dog in & Enrichment Days your living room? Join us on this exciting workshop to find out more. Event includes a wolf walk. £30 for 1 child and Thursdays: 21st October, 1 adult (children must be accompanied). Booking essential. 4th & 11th November, 10am-4pm 27th July & 26th August -11am-1pm If you or someone you know is a wolf Children's Wolf Walks lover, then this is a unique experience: Take a walk with the UKWCT wolves. This event includes a short talk and tour of the centre. £13 per person, 6 years + Booking essential; limited parent spaces. Ÿ Accompanied by the wolf keeper you will get up close and personal to the wolves and meet one. Wolf it Down Picnic 5th August Children's Wolf Keeper Days Ÿ During the day you will see behind 11am-1pm, 6 years+ 9th & 24th August, 10am-3pm, the scenes at the Wolf Trust and How long does it take for a 10 years+ shadow the keeper in tasks such as wolf to eat a water melon Come dressed to get mucky and see what cleaning out the wolf enclosures, or savoury ice lolly? Come the wolves and their keepers get up to for a walk with the wolves, preparing and giving medication, during the day. Take over the job of the bring a picnic to eat, then and get involved in our wolf Wolf Keeper looking after the wolves. make some summer treats enrichment programme. Don't be fooled - it's hard work, but lots Ÿ for the wolves to enjoy, All wolf keeper participants receive of fun! then watch them wolf a souvenir certificate. £25 per child them all down. It will be Ÿ Spaces are limited to make the day really It's a unique opportunity to see the lots of fun! special. usually unseen parts of life at the £15 per person Booking essential. Wolf Centre. Booking essential.

Please bring your own packed lunch. Children's Photo Day Thursday, 12th August, 10am-1pm, 8 years+ Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are Wolves are charismatic animals, so why not come along to the Trust and learn how to get the available. best from your camera, as well as having the chance to photograph all six of our wonderful wolves? You will have a talk from photographer Dave Chaplin, followed by photo sessions Spaces are limited to make the day with each of the wolf packs, where you will receive help and instruction as need to make sure really special, so please book early. you take away your own photos to remind you of the day. Cost £60 per person (age 16+ only) £25 for one child accompanied by one adult.

ISSUE 40 SUMMER 2010 27 WOLF CENTRE OPEN DAYS and 15th Anniversary Celebrations - Mondays 31st May and 30th August

Look around the Trust and see: Ÿ The Trust's Wolves Ÿ World of Wolves Book Launch (May) 11am-5pm Ÿ Wolves' birthdays & 15th Anniversary Cake Ÿ Reptiles Display (May) Ÿ Creepy Crawlies (August) Ÿ Birds of Prey Ÿ Hug a Husky Ÿ Nature Trail & Quiz Ÿ Pond Dipping Ÿ CBBC's Sarah Jane Honeywell (May) Ÿ Children's Activities Ÿ Face Painting Ÿ Bouncy Castle Ÿ BBQ and Ice Creams Ÿ Picnic Tables Sorry - no dogs allowed on site Latea - by Alvin Yap

ADMISSION: £7 adults (non-members); £5 members, children under 12 & senior citizens; children under 3 FREE. Friday Night is Howl Night! 23rd July, 17th September, 29th October, World Animal Day 19th November and 17th December British Wildlife: lost & living at 7.00pm If you've ever dreamt of standing near a at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust wolf and hearing it howl, then this is a MARTIN 'WOLFIE' ADAMS MICHELLE PAVER once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel your (World Darts Champion) (Children's author Judging the 'Howling and UKWCT Patron) backbone tingle and your ears vibrate with Competition' Reindeer the sound. Learn about wolf communication, Collection of Wild Boar howl to the wolves, listen to them howl back. taxidermy: British Otter talks birds & mammals Hug a Husky For information and to book call 0118 971 3330 Hedge laying Archery demonstration Pond Dipping British Deer Society Bouncy castle £10 per person Secret World wildlife Face painting rescue talks and BBQ and ice Booking required animal display creams The UK Wolf Mole catcher talk Refreshments Labrador Lifeline Picnic tables Conservation Trust Chiltern Hills Butlers Farm, Beenham Falconry Sorry - no dogs Reading, RG7 5NT demonstration allowed on site [email protected] www.ukwct.org ADMISSION Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children up to age 12): Advanced - £18, on the day - £25; Adult Ticket: Advanced - £8, on the day - £10; Child (age 3-12) and Senior Citizens: Advanced - £3, on the day - £5; Children under 3: Free 28 UKWCT WOLF PRINT