Fattori che influenzano le dinamiche numeriche delle principali specie di ungulati selvatici in Emilia-Romagna

Abstract

The relationships between wildlife and human society are among the most significant aspects in environmental issues nowadays, both because of the rising attention and empathy the pub-lic is showing towards wild animals and their preservation, and the growing numbers and diffusion of some important species, like wild ungulates and the Wolf. In this study I have analyzed the current situation of these species in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy and their recent development, and I have investigated the possible factors of these changes, such as the effects of hunting laws, the expansion of protected areas and forests, the mountain depopulation, climate change and female fertility: all of them may have contributed, with the exception of fertility, which has turned out a complex matter deserving further study. Subsequently I have illustrated the consequences of the abundance of wild ungulates in this region, i. e. damages to agriculture and road accidents, and I have analyzed the Wolf come-back and the dynamics among this predator, its preys and human life, which show interesting potentials for wildlife management. The Veterinary Medicine should gain a major role in this context since it offers the possibility of a broad knowledge of animal and human health and wellbeing, in the perspective of including the wildlife in the crucial concept of One Health.