Analyse du régime alimentaire du loup gris (Canis lupus) en Wallonie et estimation du taux de rencontre des populations de gibier sur l'aire d'étude par pièges photographiques

Abstract

The Canis lupus species, considered to be one of the large predator species present in Europe, is now making its return in Belgium. However, opinions about this natural recolonization differ. Indeed, past beliefs are still present. As the species disappeared from our regions as a result of the fears it evoked, both farmers and hunters now fear for the future of their livestock and the game. In Wallonia, the first observations of the large predator were made in August 2016, but it was not before June 2018 that the first wolf was established on our territory, on the Hautes Fagnes plateau. Subsequently, attacks on livestock were recorded and assumed to be wolf-like by the farmers. However, this was not always be established to be the case. This is why, following these fears, a study of the wolf's diet is being carried out using data collected within the home range of Akela and Maxima, the only individuals established in Wallonia to date. This study is based on the analysis of 37 leashes and highlights the predominance of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in its diet, based on both macroscopic and genetic (DNA-metabarcoding) analysis. The analysis of the feces of this large carnivore is the most commonly used technique for studying its diet. It also feeds extensively on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scorfa). Secondary prey are hares (Lepus europaeus), beavers (Castor fiber), martens (Martes martes) and farm voles (Microtus agrestis). So far, no farmed species have been found in the diet. The study of the relative abundance of different game species (Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus and Sus scorfa) also demonstrates that this predator mainly consumes the individuals present in large numbers within its home range. This confirms and explains the opportunistic nature of its diet.