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African wild dogs (  Lycaon pictus) are a seriously endangered species with only around 5000 individuals left. We examined the factors likely to be affecting the distribution and density of wild dogs living in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We collected data, by traditional and satellite radio‐tracking, on diet selection, sizes of packs, dispersion and sizes of territories, and patterns of habitat selection for eight packs of wild dogs. In Kruger wild dogs specialize on impala ( Aepyceros melampus) and kudu (  Tragelaphus strepsiceros). They live in packs averaging about nine dogs and inhabit territories of 350–950 km2. Neighboring territories overlap to some extent but packs meet very rarely. The dispersion pattern of food plays only a minor role in determining the density and distribution of dogs in the Kruger; dogs exist at their lowest density where their food is most abundant. This apparent paradox comes about because the dogs seem to avoid areas that, although prey‐rich, are heavily used by lions. This is a sensible strategy because lions are a major cause of dog mortality, accounting for some 39% of natural pup deaths and at least 43% of natural adult deaths. Wild dogs may be conserved most successfully in areas with moderate to low densities of lions and spotted hyenas, and management strategies should be careful not to promote these species to the detriment of wild dogs and other carnivores. The densities of lions and spotted hyenas should be important criteria when considering an area for the reintroduction of wild dogs and other similar sized carnivores.Factores que Afectan la Densidad y Distribución de Perros Salvajes en el Parque Nacional KrugerEl perro salvaje africano (  Lycaon pictus) es una especie en serio peligro de extinción, con una población estimada de solamente 5000 individuos. Hemos examinado los factores que con mayor probabilidad afectan la distribución y densidad de los perros salvajes que habitan el Parque Nacional Kruger en Sudáfrica. Información sobre la selección de alimento, tamaño de grupo, dispersión y tamaño de territorio y patrones de selección de hábitat fué colectada usando métodos tradicionales y seguimiento con satélite para ocho grupos de perros salvajes en el parque. Esta especie se especializa en impala ( Aepyceros melampus) y kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Vive en grupos de 9 individuos en promedio y habita un territorio de 350‐950 km2. Territorios vecinos se sobreponen en cierta proporción, pero los encuentros entre diferentes grupos raras veces ocurren. El patrón de dispersión de la comida juega solo un pequeño papel en la determinación de la densidad en lugares donde la comida es mas abundante. Esta aparente paradoja es consecuencia de que los perros parecen evitar zonas que, a pesar de ser ricas en presas, también son muy usadas por leones (Panthera leo). Esta estrategia es sensata, pues esta especie es una de las mayores causas de mortalidad para los perros, alcanzando un 39% de mortalidad natural de los cachorros y al menos un 43% de la mortalidad natural de los adultos. Los perros salvajes podrían ser conservados con mas éxito en zonas con una densidad moderada o baja de leones y hienas manchadas (Crocuta crocuta). Las estrategias de conservación deben ser cuidadosamente estudiadas para evitar favorecer estas especies en detrimento de los perros salvajes y otras especies de carnívoros. La denisdad de leones y hienas manchadas deberá ser un criterio importante cuando se considere una zona para la reintroducción de los perros salvajes y otros carnívoros de similar tamaño.

With 4 figures in the text)This paper analyses the temporal variation in the size of home range and activity of adult wild boar (Sus scrofff L.). Eighteen boar were radiotracked between 1991 and 1993 in the Marernma Natural Park (Central Italy). Variations of home-range size and activity were related to sex, winter food availability and population density. The hypotheses that home-range size was inversely related to food availability and population density, and that the amount of activity was directly related to population density and inversely related to food abundance, were tested. The size of the acorn crop was used as a measure of winter resource level. No differences were found in the size of ranges, core area, and activity between males and females. In 1991-92 home-range size was larger than in 1992-93; conversely, activity increased from 1991-92 to 1992-93. Winter food availability was high in 1991-92 and low in the following year. Population density increased greatly in spring 1992 but crashed in spring and summer 1993, when a high mortality of wild boar occurred due to starvation.The decrease in home-range size during the food shortage was explained as a possible strategy adopted by wild boar to cope with starvation. The difference in home-range size and amount of activity found between the first and the second year of study were probably influenced by differences in population density, although the individual effects of food availability and population density were not clearly separable.

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R o b i n R i g g , S l a v o m Í R F i n Ď O , M a r i a W e c h s e l b e r g e r , M a r t y n L . G o r m a n , C l a u d i o S i l l e r o -Z u b i r i and D a v i d W . M a c d o n a l d Abstract Conflicts with human interests have reappeared following recovery of large carnivores in Europe. Public acceptance is higher than historically but there is a need to identify effective, acceptable techniques to facilitate coexistence. We present a case study of predation on livestock in Slovakia. Damage, mitigation measures and public opinion were assessed using compensation records, analysis of farm conditions, questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews, diet analysis and on-farm trials of livestock-guarding dogs. Economic damage was inconsequential on a national scale but high locally: c. 80% of reported losses occurred at 12% of sheep flocks. Grey wolves Canis lupus were held responsible for four to six times more damage than brown bears Ursus arctos, although livestock occurred in only 2 of 78 wolf faeces during spring-autumn, when sheep and cattle were most vulnerable. Losses to Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx were negligible. Compared to other sectors of society shepherds had the most negative attitudes, particularly towards wolves, despite compensation payments. Appropriate use of livestock-guarding dogs was associated with fewer losses: median loss at trial flocks with predation was 70% lower than at control flocks. We conclude that identifying vulnerable farms and targeting them for mitigation could reduce damage, although lack of motivation and awareness are obstacles. This study shows that damage levels need not be excessive despite high predator densities in humandominated landscapes. Conflicts were unevenly distributed, with much of the variation explained by local conditions and husbandry practices, especially preventive measures. Livestock-guarding dogs are particularly appropriate where wolves are present in proximity to unfenced pastures.