Wolf–Ungulate Dynamics in Mediterranean and Human-Dominated Landscapes: Predation, Coexistence, and Management

Wolf (Canis lupus) populations have recovered substantially across Europe over the past decades, re-establishing predator–prey dynamics in landscapes that differ fundamentally from the large, contiguous wilderness areas typically studied in North America. Mediterranean and other human-dominated landscapes are characterized by habitat fragmentation, high human density, and mixed communities of wild ungulates and livestock, all shaped by a long history of human–carnivore coexistence. In these settings, wolf diet, spatial behavior, and predation pressure on multi-species ungulate assemblages diverge from patterns documented elsewhere, while wild boar often plays a disproportionate role in sustaining wolf density. At the same time, wolf recovery has intensified conflict with livestock farmers and hunters, and is increasingly raising concerns — first emerging in Italy but expected to spread across other European countries — about bolder wolf behavior toward humans.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of wolf–ungulate interactions in Mediterranean and human-modified landscapes by bringing together ecological, behavioral, and applied management perspectives. We seek to address how wolves select and partition prey across diverse ungulate assemblages, including the specific contribution of wild boar to sustaining wolf population density; how habitat fragmentation and human presence shape wolf and prey spatial ecology; and how prey species adjust behavior and activity patterns in response to predation risk. A central goal is also to examine the socio-ecological consequences of wolf recovery — effects on domestic livestock, hunting yields, and human safety — and to identify effective, evidence-based mitigation and coexistence strategies. Recent advances in GPS telemetry, camera trapping, and genetic diet analysis offer new opportunities to resolve these dynamics with greater precision than before.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, and Case Reports addressing:o Selective predation and dietary plasticity of wolves across multi-species ungulate assemblageso Wolf–prey spatial ecology in Mediterranean and highly human-modified landscapeso Wolf population density in the Mediterranean environment: the importance of wild boaro Effects of wolf population recovery on wild and domestic ungulate populations and hunting yieldso Prey behavioral and diel activity responses to predation risko Drivers of and mitigation strategies for wolf–livestock conflicto Interactions between population density, habitat fragmentation, predator–prey dynamics, and wolf attacks on humansContributions integrating field ecology, spatial modeling, or policy-relevant management analysis are particularly encouraged, as are studies extending beyond the Mediterranean to other European regions facing similar coexistence challenges. Topic editors: L. MATTIOLI, Marco Apollonio Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84832/wolf-ungulate-dynamics-in-mediterranean-and-human-dominated-landscapes-predation-coexistence-and-management