DAMAGE CAUSED BY WOLVES TO FARM ANIMALS AND ITS REGULARITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROKIŠKIS DISTRICT

Abstract

In this research paper was analyzed the damage of wolves to farm animals in the municipality of Rokiškis district in 2019–2022. Data of the analyzed period were taken from the Biological diversity database of the State Service for protected areas under the Ministry of Environment and from the municipality of Rokiškis district. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel. In 2019-2022 in the municipality of Rokiškis district a total of 107 farm animals were slaughtered, of which sheep accounted for 64.5 %, fallow deer – 29.0 %, cattle – 4.6 %, and goats – 1.9 %. Most farm animals were slaughtered in spring (43.9 %) and summer (39.3 %). In Rokiškis rural ward wolves caused the most damage. 30 slaughtered farm animals were not registered in the database, of which sheep accounted for 63.3 %, cattle – 16.7 %, and goats – 20.0 %. Among the unregistered cases, most animals were slaughtered in summer (66.7 %) and autumn (33.3 %). The biggest damage was determined in Obeliai ward. In order to protect farm animals, it is necessary to to use various protection methods, especially electric fences (50 % farmers who suffered from damage have them).