PRELIMINARY ASPECTS CONCERNING THE CARNIVORES DYNAMICS IN CEAHLĂU NATIONAL PARK

Analele Ştiinţifice ale Universităţii AL. I. CUZA Iaşi, s. Biologie animală, Tom LII, 2006 PRELIMINARY ASPECTS CONCERNING THE CARNIVORES DYNAMICS IN CEAHLĂU NATIONAL PARK BEATRICE-ANA SLAVINSCHI 1 and IORDACHE ION 2 1 Faculty of Biology, Al. I. Cuza University of Iaşi; e-mail: wolveshabit@yahoo.com 2 Faculty of Biology, Al. I. Cuza University of Iaşi department of Zoology-Ecology, str. Carol 11A, 700506 Iaşi, Romania; e-mail: ioni@uaic.ro Abstract: The study was realized in different year seasons, especially in winter, when we studied the signs left by carnivores: trails, footprints, excrements, scratches. Particular observations were made on bear, wolf and fox. In spite of a big number of tourists, in Ceahlău National Park the carnivores situation remains satisfactory. Keywords: carnivores, footprints, national parks Rezumat: Aspecte preliminare privind dinamica carnivorelor în Parcul Naţional Ceahlău. Cercetările au fost realizate în diferite anotimpuri, mai ales în timpul iernii când au fost urmărite semnele lăsate de carnivore: urme, excremente, zgârieturi. Observaţii particulare s-au realizat pentru urs, lup şi vulpe. Deşi numărul turiştilor este relativ mare în Parcul Naţional Ceahlău, situaţia carnivorelor este satisfăcătoare. Cuvinte cheie: carnivore, urme, parc naţional INTRODUCTION Because Ceahlău became a National Park in 2001 and hunting exploitation ended, we made an evaluation of the species taken for study, which are: Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Felis silvestris, Lynx lynx, Martes martes and Ursus arctos. The official data from National Forestry Administration (RNP) were disputed by particular associations of hunters. The overestimate number of individuals permitted a richer harvest of the game and a real diminution of their number in their habitat. Being composed of a radial peak system with high altitudes, it s a hard job to cover the entire mountain in only one season. During the research period, which lasts from November 2004 until July 2005, we divided the area into several basins and cover them successively. MATERIAL AND METHODS We went in the field in winter and springtime in order to observe the animals trails, their abundance in a territory and the differences between related territories correlated to sun heat and human interaction. The observations in the field were realized by means of two methods: 1. The crossing of different mountain basins and the inventory of tracks left This method is used by many naturalists to estimate the number of individuals in one territory by making an average of the entered and got out tracks. This is possible only if you pay attention to the direction of the footprints. 2. Direct observations on the feeding places The method has grater success in hunting territories, where the animals are used to be nourished and they visit frequently such places. The field research started together with the first snow and was repeated only with every fresh snow, to avoid the multiple counting of the same tracks. Footprints were measured (length and width where possible) and results were compared in a second crossing of the same territory. - 255 -

Beatrice-Ana Slavinschi and Iordache Ion For marking the limits of the basins we used modern apparatus with satellites location: GPS Magellan Meridian Gold. The map was set with Map Send Worldwide programme. We have examined the trails left by animals, their excrements and also signs left around the feeding places. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Canidae Family These are medium and large sized mammals, with triangular ears, oblong muzzle and ample muscles. The fore pads have five toes and the hind pads have four toes, without retractile claws; they have strong canines and sharp molars. 1. Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 (Gray wolf) Canis lupus is a large predator that depends for its survival on large prey, such as Cervus elaphus (buck), Capreolus capreolus (roebuck) and Sus scrofa (wild boar). Its role in nature is to remove sick or weak animals, creating a win-win relationship with its prey. Without this predator, the hunted species will be weaker and weaker and the ecosystems damaged. It is also a sanitary of the forests, because it often eats corpses, stopping disease spreading. Wolves are very intelligent, with a highly developed social life. They group together in packs; in Ceahlău National Park, packs are usually composed of three individuals. In the wild, after killing a prey, the members of the pack spend the night near it, until they eat the whole corpse. They move permanently through the woods and during winter, when food resources are poor, they can go into villages and attack the live stock. Such events happened during January-February 2005 period, when two attacks were reported by peasants from Ceahlău village. Wolf is a digitigrade mammal, walking on the toes with the posterior part of the foot raised. The differences between wolf s and dog s footprints are very hard to observe and only an experienced eye can say where a wolf passed and where it did not. When you go out in the field, you must pay attention to some details (Fig. 1): the shape of the footprint wolf has oval and longer footprint than dog the position of the fore toes in wolf s case they are closer the position of the hind claws comparing to the fore toes in wolf, the claws reach the base of the fore toes and in dog s case, the middle of the fore toes the claws they are always sharp and well printed follow the trail wolf trail is always a straight line, while dog strays from the right path Figure 1. Wolf footprint. Figure 2. Wolf excrements. - 256 -

Analele Ştiinţifice ale Universităţii AL. I. CUZA Iaşi, s. Biologie animală, Tom LII, 2006 The excrements are often white, with many remains from the prey species, such as fur, bones and feathers (Fig. 2). The male puts them on an elevation of the ground and covers them with soft soil. This method is used by many males to mark their territory together with other scent marks as urinating or scratching the ground. All these signs in the field give us information on a pack s territory, members, behaviour and communication with other packs. We observed a really interesting thing in wolves: if they find a piece of meat with human smell, they become suspicious and they don t approach closer than two meters. Through the cascade trophic chain, wolves are helpful to many other species of vertebrates and invertebrates. Protecting wolves and their habitat, we implicitly protect other species that use the same habitat. 2. Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758 (Red fox) Vulpes vulpes is a species frequently seen in the woods. It is much smaller comparing to wolf and it uses forest roads in its movements. Red foxes have 7 to 9 kg and the colour of the fur is red with a big white spot on the chest level. Foxes hunt alone and their diet consists of mice, hares, birds, fish, frogs and fruits. Like other wild animals, foxes are considered vectors of disease. Red foxes are of some importance in the fur industry. They are most active at night and at twilight. They are generally solitary hunters and if a fox catches more food than it can eat, it will bury the extra food. These mammals have large hunting areas and they are usually devoted to their territory. In Ceahlău mountains we found many foxes, gathered up at the foot of the mountain, near villages. Some of them ascend to higher altitudes, but not for a long period of time. Foxes dig a den in the woods, which has usually one main entrance and other secondary ones. Foxes footprints left on good snow or mud are similar to a medium dog, but also differ from them through all characteristics pointed out in Canis lupus species. Figure 3. Fox trail. Fox usually walks, but there are situations when it is scared and run, or when it is sneaking. The track is always a perfect straight line, but only on short distances. When it is galloping the fore pads get closer and the hind ones too (Fig. 3). The excrements are similar to a dog s one, but they also contain fur remains, bones, even feathers or kernels. The male puts them on a high ground, where they can be seen or smelled from big distances. They are consistent when fox leaves the shelter and become fluid after a strolling night. Males urinate on trees and females on the ground. The inhabited holes have footprints and fur remains at the entrance, food remains and a very specific and strong smell. Foxes aren t so important for ecosystems, because they are also agents of disease spreading. They carry a variety of parasites including a number of tapeworms and roundworms that may be transmitted to domestic animals. Foxes also carry a range of fleas, ticks and mites. Sarcoptic mange may be a significant cause of fox mortality and this disease may be transmitted to other species. In hunting territories foxes are killed in high rates because they are considered to be detrimental to other animals of hunting interest. - 257 -

Beatrice-Ana Slavinschi and Iordache Ion Felidae Family Most widespread among carnivores, felines have round head, short muzzle, short and round ears. Their toes have strong, sharp and retractile claws. Incisors are short, having instead sharp and well developed canines and molars. 1. Felis silvestris Schreber, 1775 (Wild cat) Felis silvestris is a hunter of small mammals, birds, and other creatures of a similar size. There are several subspecies which occur in different world regions. The European wild cat is spread in Carpathian Mountains, in high regions and never shares territories with lynx. The wild cat is a medium carnivore, bigger than the domestic one. It can weight up to 10 kg, it has sharp teeth and claws and also a short, brushy and curly tail. Its food is generally represented by mice. If the season is poor, with few mice, the damages caused to the hunting sector are significant. It can also eat birds, hares, wild pigeons, even deer cubs. Wild cat in Ceahlău was found in a very small number. Footmarks left by wild cats are similar to domestic ones, but bigger. Differences are: wild cat has more fur among its toes wild cat has longer footprints, with bigger spaces among toes domestic cat has rounder and crammer footprints claws can t be seen in the footprints, because they are retractile dimensions are 3-3.5 cm for wild cat and 2.7 cm for the domestic one wild cat s trail is a zigzag domestic cat s trail is closer to fox: more linear Other differences between wild cat and its domestic relative: the tail of wild cat differs from that of the domestic one through its thickness: in wild cat is the same thickness from base to top and in domestic case it becomes thinner to top wild cat has a black spot on the hind paws, shorter than the one found in domestic cats Excrements are similar to domestic, brown, soft, with an acrid specific smell. Tomcat urinates on trees and sometimes it scratches them. Wild cats were common in the European Pleistocene era; when the ice vanished, they became adapted to a life in dense forests. In most European countries they have become very rare. Although legally protected, they are still shot by hunters who take them for domestic cats. In Scotland, interbreeding with feral cats 1 is also a threat to the wild population. 2. Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758 (Eurasian lynx) Lynx is a symbol of the Carpathians and also a rarely seen animal. It is spread in forests with boulder areas or fallen trees and it is very active during night. Its sight and hearing are well developed. Lynx has a brown-red fur with black spots all over the body. It has small ears with two black tufts. On both sides of the jowls it has a dense hair forming whiskers. The tail is very short and black ended. Hunt specialists said that lynx number is correlated with roebuck (Capreolus capreolus) population. Being known that altitudes in Ceahlău begin with 900 m, roebuck 1 Cats that have been separated from domestication and become wild - 258 -

Analele Ştiinţifice ale Universităţii AL. I. CUZA Iaşi, s. Biologie animală, Tom LII, 2006 population has few representatives here. Lynx was also intensively hunted between 1970 and 1980. Another reason for lynx migration to other neighbouring areas was the construction of the axial road which had facilitated the access for poachers who killed the roebucks. Lynx usually eats medium and small ungulates. Roebuck (Capreolus capreolus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) are the main food; it also eats hares and birds. Lynx usually lives at high altitudes; in Ceahlău its presence was recorded at 1200 m altitude and its habitat consists of boulder areas and fallen trees. Lynx s footprint is similar to wolf s one, but also to that of the wild cat. It differs from wolf because it s rounder and without claws print. Unlike cat, lynx has bigger footprints (Fig. 4). The trail left behind is something between zigzag and straight line. In lynx s footprint it is possible to find claws prints, just when it jumps over obstacles or from trees. On a big snow the tail is possible to be printed. Lynx and wild cat never live together. As a rule it s known that if you find a lynx in a basin you will never find a cat. Lynx has longish excrements, with a specific form. They contain fur remains, bones and feathers. Lynx is usually placing his excrements on a high support (stubs or boulders). After we had studied them on the microscope we could find details on prey species. Figure 4. Lynx trail. Recent studies have shown that lynx can t eradicate the prey species. In Switzerland and Slovenia, after the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx, the number of prey species continues to increase. The actual level of scientific knowledge shows that the influence of lynx over roebuck (Capreolus capreolus), buck (Cervus elaphus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is smaller than hunting impact. Mustelidae Family Mustelids are the smallest carnivores in Ceahlău. They have short legs, with five toes and sharp or blunt claws. They have a pair of musk glands in the anal region; their secretion has a very unpleasant odour. 1. Martes martes Linnaeus, 1758 (European pine marten) In Ceahlău the pine marten was found in a large number of individuals, in high altitude areas, near lynx. It is not a precautious mammal because we have watched it eating at less than 20 m. It made its den in hollows and caves situated in boulder areas with fallen trees. Marten is the only mustelid that lives in trees. It spends a short period of its life on the ground. Its colour is dark brown with a large yellowish spot on the chest. Its food consists of squirrels, mice, moles, deer cubs and birds. It also eats fruits like apples, pears and bilberries. After fox, marten is the most spread carnivore in Ceahlău. Marten has a dense hair between its toes. It has five toes and a specific footmark (Fig. 5) with well printed claws. It usually realizes short jumps instead of walking. The - 259 -

Beatrice-Ana Slavinschi and Iordache Ion trail is specific: it steps with the hind paws in the fore paws footprints. Thus it remains two prints instead of four. It can jump in a tree from one meter long. Figure 5. Pine marten footprint. Figure 6. Pine marten excrements. Excrements are easy to recognize. They are brown, long (4-6 cm) and thin, containing fur remains and bones. The male left them on high surfaces, where they can be seen (Fig. 6). Marten also scratches the trees and makes shelters in old and putrefied ones. Pine marten is a species characteristic to mountain areas; it is spread especially in forests with coniferous trees. Unlike polecat (Mustela putorius), weasel (Mustela nivalis) or ermine (Mustela erminea), it spends most of the time in trees and it s constrained to get down on the ground to hunt. Pine marten is also prized for its fur. Ursidae Family Bears are the largest terrestrial carnivores. They are plantigrade and have a massive structure. Many species live in forests. In winter they get a profound sleep, but it s not a real hibernation. They are omnivore animals and in Romania live only one species: Ursus arctos. 1. Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758 (Brown bear) The brown bear is the biggest carnivore in Ceahlău. It measures 1.5-2 m, with a shoulder height of 90-150 cm. Its weight is varying from 150 kg to 400 kg. The male has a massive body, with a short and strong neck. Its back is curved, with a small hump in the shoulders zone. The cubs have a white collar, which disappears after first year of life. Brown bear is an omnivorous animal. It usually conforms to environment conditions and food resources. In spring time it eats grass and gemmas. During summer it can find different fruits like apples, pears, plums, strawberries, even bilberries to autumn. It can also eat mushrooms, tree roots, insects and reptiles. In Ceahlău National Park there have been observed seven different footprints, each of them with its own territory. We noticed that every bear respects the limits of its hunting area, a territory very well defined, scent marked, where other bears couldn t enter. If it has food, bear doesn t hibernate. Unlike other animals, it has a winter sleep, not a true hibernation. If the winter is not so severe and it can find beech nuts and acorns, bear gets out from the shelter. This fact demonstrates that bear doesn t have the physiological necessity for hibernation. When it stays in shelter, although it doesn t hibernate, it doesn t eat either. Probably it uses its lipid reserves accumulated during autumn period. Bear only walks on soft and spongy snow; otherwise it injures its feet. Footmarks are characteristic, with five toes and well printed and strong claws. The hind paw s print can reach 28-30 cm, with 15-16 width. It steps with the hind paw in the fore paw s print. If it s necessary, it can jump two meters. - 260 -

Analele Ştiinţifice ale Universităţii AL. I. CUZA Iaşi, s. Biologie animală, Tom LII, 2006 The footprints left by the hind paws are similar to human sole (Fig. 7). Footprints left on mud or snow don t show the real foot length every time, because of the lateral expand tendency. The trail is regular, with equal distances between steps. When it runs, bear has a different trail, with long leaps. Figure 7. Bear footprint (hind paw) Figure 8. Bear excrements Excrements differ with the season and their aspect is correlated to food availability. Generally, they are cylindrical, segmented, placed on a vast circular area. Food determines the shape, the colour and the consistency of the excrements. During springtime, when bears usually eat grass, the faeces are dark and compact; during autumn, they contain beech nuts and acorns remains, seeds and peels from apples and pears. When it eats meat, excrements are soft, similar to muck (Fig. 8). Bears often arrange their shelters in caves and deep fissures on the rocks, or even under fallen trees. In Ceahlău, these shelters are situated in the southern side of the mountain, wind safe and near water. Bear rises to its feet and scratches the trees near shelter; in springtime it peels of the bark of spruce tree, liking its sap. World population is estimated at 125.000-150.000 exemplars. In Romania lives almost 10% of Europe s population. After last evaluation, in 2003, there were 5.029 exemplars. In 1995 there were 5600. This shows that the population in our country decreased. Between 1990 and 2004 brown bear was intensively hunted. In 2004-2005 periods, after many pressures from environment organizations, Ministry for Environment and Water Management (MMGA) decided to restrict not only the harvesting quota but also the hunting system for bear. It was forbidden to hunt from the observatories. In Ceahlău were found seven exemplars and in 1995 the number was double. CONCLUSIONS Despite the fact that Ceahlău Massif is a National Park and that many tourists (about 30. 000 individuals a year) come here year after year, it still remains a large habitat for different species of animals, including the ones we have been studying. These animals are very well adapted to the presence of tourists. They avoid them by retreating in areas that are hard to reach. Many of the studied species have a favourable conservation status (Tab. 1). The systematic loss of habitat and excessive killing has caused reductions in carnivore s population size. Carnivores from Ceahlău are found in small number comparing to the surface of the land (9. 000 hectares). This happens because there are steep valleys, and a small area with leafy trees. In similar areas, with more leafy trees, the number of ungulates increases and so the carnivores one does. - 261 -

Beatrice-Ana Slavinschi and Iordache Ion A continuous battle for survival is taking place among different species of animals. These competitions contribute to population regulation, controlled especially by carnivores. Carnivores are dependent on the prey species; that is why they gather in territories with food supplies. They are very smart animals with an important role in the ecosystem. Carnivores play a significant role in stopping the uncontrolled multiplication of herbivores. Without carnivores the equilibrium of the ecosystems will be destroyed. The fauna is one of this country s richness and we must pay attention on how to preserve it for the next generations. Table 1. Conventions and Directives for studied carnivores. CITES 4 Berne Convention 1 Habitats Directive 2 I.U.C.N. Red List 3 Annex II 1a Annex III 1b Annex II 2a Annex IV 2b Appendix II 4a Canis lupus X X X Vulpes vulpes Felis silvestris X X X Lynx lynx X X X NT 3a X Martes martes X LR 3b Ursus arctos X X X LR 3b X 1 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 1a strictly protected fauna species 1b protected fauna species 2 Council Directive 92 / 43 / EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 2a species of Community Interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 2b species of Community Interest in need of strict protection 3 the list of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 3a near threatened 3b lower risk 4 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna 4a species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. References CITES, 2007. Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora Appendices I to III (online). CITES, valid from 4 March 2007 (accessed 11 April 2007). Available from: http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml Consiliul European, 1992. Directiva Habitate 92/43 EEC (traducere în limba română) (online). UNESCO Pro Natura. (accessed 11 April 2007). Available from: http://www.pronatura.ro/legi/habitate.htm Cotta V., Bodea M., Micu I., 2001, Vânatul şi vânătoarea în România. Edit. Ceres, Bucureşti Ion I., Ion C., 2002, Mamiferele din Ceahlău/Mammals of Ceahlău. Edit. Corson, Iaşi IUCN, 2006. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Database (online). IUCN 2006. Updated on 13 December 2006 (accessed 11 April 2007). Available from http://www.redlist.org/search/search-basic Mertens, A., Ionescu, Ov., 2000, Ursul-Biologie, ecologie şi managemen. Edit. Haco International Papalicef, R., 2000, Ceahlău Touristic Map. Edit. Militară, Bucureşti Parlamentul Româiei, 1993, Convenţia de la Berna Legea 13/ 11 martie 1993 (online), Monitorul Oficial, 62 (accessed 11 April 2007). Available from: http://www.pronatura.ro/legi/berna.htm Promberger, B., Ionescu, Ov., 2000, Râsul-Biologie, ecologie şi management. Edit. Haco International Promberger, C.., Ionescu, Ov., 2000, Lupul-Biologie, ecologie şi management. Edit. Haco International Rosetti-Bălănescu, C., 1961, Urmele animalelor sălbatice. Edit. Ştiinţifică - 262 -