GPS-tracked wolves' lives under study in eastern Türkiye

KARS, Türkiye

The lives of seven wolves in eastern Türkiye are being studied in the wild with GPS trackers as part of a study carried out by local environmentalists and conservation officials.

Satellite transmitters were attached to the seven canines as part of the "Large Mammals Monitoring Project" by the KuzeyDoga Society and General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks in the Sarikamis district of Kars province.

Josip Kusak of the University of Zagreb and KuzeyDoga's Science Coordinator Emrah Coban measured the wolves' trail through a transmitter device on the snow-covered terrain.

The study investigates whether the GPS-tracked wolves belong to a larger pack and seeks to gather data on paths they roam.

10-member wolf pack

Coban told Anadolu that the group started work this year to the track the wolves with satellite transmitters.

"So far this year, we found the pack of one of the wolves we've been following and realized that there were seven individuals in this pack. But, we were unable to reach the number we got last year.

"Last year, we identified the largest wolf pack in Sarikamis. This was a pack of 10 individuals. This study allows us to get to know them better and understand them better," he explained.

Coban also said their work would help local efforts protect against wild animal attacks. "These studies we've been carrying out in the field as an organization with locals in the area will ensure that the region is known better and that residents develop strategies to protect themselves from wild animals."

The coordinator also explained that they went to the surrounding villages when they pinpointed areas where the wolves were on the move, adding that they warned the local livestock breeders and shepherds to be careful against wolves.