We investigated wolf (Canis lupus)- and dog-livestock conflicts (1992-1995)
and costs of compensation (1991-1995) in the Tuscany region of central Ita
ly. The regional indemnity program cost US $345,000 (+/- 93,000 SD) annuall
y. Most depredations (95.2%) involved sheep, with a mean (+/- SD) annual lo
ss of 2,550 +/- 730 sheep, or 0.35% of the regional stock. Sheep lost to pr
edators by province were correlated with sheep density within areas contain
ing wolves (r(s) = 0.88, n = 9, P = 0.0015), but marked geographical and te
mporal fluctuations were reported in compensation costs. Highest levels of
conflict were observed in the provinces at the border of the regional wolf
range, where livestock was left unattended most of the year and sheep densi
ty reached its highest regional levels. Based on 527 reports of approved cl
aims during 1992-1995 from the National Health System, depredations were hi
ghly seasonal, increasing steadily from spring to early fall, possibly foll
owing trends in sheep availability on pastures and density fluctuations of
local wolf packs. An average of 3 sheep (range = 1-18)were killed per attac
k (n = 483), and 42% of the attacks involved killing of less than or equal
to 2 sheep. Additionally, 21-113 sheep were killed or attacked in mass slau
ghters which comprised 2.3% of the depredation events and 19% of the sheep
lost. Depredations also resulted in 35% (n = 168) of sheep injured and 33%
(n = 158) missing. Most sheep depredations occurred during the night, in pa
stures interspersed with wood or vegetative cover, and involved free-rangin
g flocks unattended by either the shepherd or guard dogs. High levels of co
nflict occurred in localized areas of intensive sheep production; 6% of the
affected farms and 8% of the affected municipalities accounted for 32% of
the sheep lost to both wolves and dogs at the regional level. Compensation
programs alone were not effective in reducing the conflict or in preventing
illegal, private efforts to control wolf numbers. Improved husbandry shoul
d be encouraged and facilitated through financial incentives and public edu
cation.