Does Wolf Management in Latvia Decrease Livestock Depredation? An Analysis of Available Data

In Latvia, livestock depredation by wolves has increased during the last two decades. Most of attacks occur in summer and autumn wolf hunting season. Use effective preventive measures Latvia is low, farmers primarily rely on as a reduction measure. The total numbers number affected sheep per year regional forest management units were analyzed relation to estimated density, extent culling, proportion juveniles, well density wild prey animals. response variables (number year) modelled using negative binomial regression, testing effects every covariate separately building models from significant covariates. level was related population size. No reducing effect found for an even greater rate expected when culled increased. addition, no associated with other However, at higher red deer suggesting opportunistic locally outcompete roe deer, preferred Latvia.