Forensic approach to livestock predation

The role of forensic veterinarians is becoming increasingly important in protecting the health of animals, humans, and the ecosystem. The following study focuses on the importance of veterinary forensic medicine in distinguishing the differences between predation and necrophagy in a protected area in the Lazio region, the Monti Aurunci Regional Natural Park. The study, conducted from 2002 to 2016, focused on a group of 150 Esperia ponies raised outdoors on a 300-hectare site on Monte Appiolo. Foaling occurs outdoors between February and October each year. To identify the animals present in the study area and their activities on the cadavers, 10 camera traps were placed on natural supports and at strategic points. Mortality, attributed to predation by canids, was absent from 2002 to 2009; it began in 2010 and became significant in 2011 (P<0.01). Mortality increased significantly in 2012 and 2013 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total percentage of foals killed by predation reached 38.87%. The mortality rate began to increase in April (11.27%), stabilized in May (30.99%), and decreased in June (28.17%), July (13.62%), and August (11.74%). Predation was minimal in September (2.35%), October (0.94%), and November (0.94%). The results indicate a seasonal presence of wolves from April to November.