HIC SUNT LUPI

The Salento area, in the southern part of the Puglia region, is experiencing a significant re-colonization of the wolf (Canis lupus) after centuries of absence, generating considerable ecological and economic interest. Frequent sightings and livestock attacks indicate a stable wolf presence, challenging the hypothesis of sporadic occurrences. Salento is a densely populated area where agro-ecosystems and urban settlements leave natural areas in a marginal position. This creates a unique context in which the presence of a large predator like the wolf requires careful management and communication strategies to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive interactions with the local community and ecosystem.

The HIC SUNT LUPI project – Monitoring and Management of Wolves in Salento – aims to implement a management approach based on solid scientific knowledge. The focus is on monitoring the wolf population and studying its diet, essential elements for understanding predator-prey interactions and ensuring effective species management. The re-colonization of Salento, within the broader context of the Xylella fastidiosa epidemic, adds an intriguing scientific dimension, aligning with strategies for territorial rewilding and habitat conservation.