Monitoring

As hints to wolf presence can be easily confused with those of dogs, a final assessment through experienced persons is required. These persons should be experienced in identifying and assessing hints to wolf presence for years. Not only does a hint have to meet all technical criteria, the overall impression and experience of the person assessing the hint are also crucial. A well-documented track in direct register trot and with sizes typical for wolves does not turn into a confirmed hint automatically. When the person assessing the track has doubts that it originates from a wolf due to the shape or position of paws, the course of the track or the behaviour of the animal, it will be categorised as C3 (unconfirmed hint) or false (wolf excluded).

Data on population size, reproduction and areas of occurrence are exclusively based on C1 and C2 data. Unconfirmed hints are particularly interesting in areas in which no wolves have been detected so far (possibly new establishment).

Wolf population size is measured as an index, which results from the number of packs and pairs. When a pack with reproduction is confirmed for one monitoring year (1st of May to 30th of April.), it is counted as a pair in that area for the previous monitoring year, independent of whether they have been detected in last year’s monitoring or not. Data analysis is conducted throughout the year, but national compilation of data is usually conducted in autumn, after the end of the monitoring year. When new information is available later, results are corrected and transferred to the status reports and figures. All changes in the data are identifiable through markings. Demarcation of neighbouring territories is conducted on the basis of strict criteria.

The area of occurrence results from the number of grid cells in which wolf presence has been confirmed in the respective monitoring year.

BfN monograph on large carnivore monitoring

The overview of “Monitoring von Großraubtieren in Deutschland” (Large Carnivore Monitoring in Germany) has been published as monograph no. 251 by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in 2009 and can be downloaded below. The report has been revised, updated and published as BfN monograph no. 413 in 2015 (both in German).