Field Testing of an Acoustic Anti-Wolf Collar in Southern Italy

The recolonization of the wolf (Canis lupus italicus) in Italy represents conservation success, but it has led to increased conflicts with livestock farming. These conflicts may undermine traditional pastoral practices, which are important for maintaining rural landscapes and associated biodiversity. In 2023, the European wolf population exceeded 20,300 individuals, with an estimated 65,000 livestock losses reported annually across the EU. This study assesses the effectiveness of an acoustic anti-wolf collar to complement existing protective measures, including fencing, human surveillance, and guarding dogs. A field trial was conducted from June to August 2024 in the municipality of Bova Marina in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, Italy, using three groups of 50 Aspromonte goats. The groups were managed by: (1) a shepherd only (SO), (2) a shepherd with guarding dogs (SGD), and (3) a shepherd with guarding dogs and the anti-wolf collar (SGDC). The collar emitting modulated frequency intervals based on natural harmonic sounds, intended to deter wolves, was mounted on goats. Monitoring, by camera traps, enabled a comparative analysis of predation events. Camera data indicated persistent wolf activity at the site (54 images at CT1, 42 at CT2), but outcomes diverged by treatment. Two camera traps positioned at corridor bottlenecks identified from terrain morphology confirmed wolf presence and provided continuous coverage of the three groups on the single property. SO had 72 attacks and 5 kills; SGD had 26.39% fewer attacks and 1 kill; SGDC had no predation events despite confirmed presence. The preliminary findings suggest that the use of the anti-wolf collar may contribute to a reduction in predation and be a useful addition to strategies aimed at promoting coexistence between wolves and pastoral activities.