One of the most important factors negatively influencing public attitudes toward brown bears (Ursus arctos) and other large carnivores is depredation on livestock. This is especially true in Norway, where a small population of 25-55 bears kill about 2,000 sheep annually. In other European countries the re-establishment of large carnivores is planned or underway, and similar problems may arise. As a basis for future large carnivore management in Europe, I compared depredation among 13 European countries having small, medium, or large bear, lynx (Lynx lynx), and wolf (Canis lupus) populations. I calculated annual per capita losses of livestock (ACLL) as the average annual loss of livestock divided by the estimated predator population in the area of concern. In Norway, the rates of livestock losses from bears, lynx and wolves were among the highest observed in Europe. Assuming predator population estimates are correct, each bear kills an average of 82 sheep annually, each wolf 41, and each lynx 9. Generally, in Europe, lynx were the least important predator on livestock. In all but one area (Cantabrian Mountains, Spain), sheep and goats were the livestock most often taken by all 3 of the large carnivores. Depredation levels were not related to the size of the bear population nor to the number of sheep available, but to differences in local husbandry traditions. Most attacks seemed to occur at night, and sheep were the most exposed on forested range. The high predation level in Norway can be explained by the large number of untended sheep that stay day and night on forested range. There is no example in Europe of extensive sheep farming with low losses and viable populations of bears and wolves on the same range.
- Volume 11
- Issue
- Pages 59-71
- Publication Date 1 January 1999
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- File Size 957.58 KB
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