Zoology by Vadim Sidorovich

At least ten-year-old female lynx Aurelja has two kittens this year

Co-author Irina Rotenko

Eight years ago, we began following an adult female lynx in the central-southern part of Naliboki Forest, in the localities of Jamna, Budy, and Barki, covering an area of about 40–60 square kilometers. We named her Aurelja. A Belgian volunteer once snow-tracked her with a kitten for several days. The volunteer’s name was Aurelja, and she asked us to name this mother lynx after her. We agreed.

Some findings on the development of a wolf reproduction clan

In Naliboki Forest in May-June 2025 within an area of only about 140 km², we recorded three distinct wolf families (each with pups) living in exceptionally close proximity throughout the denning season. One of these families had two simultaneously breeding females (double-breeding), two of them had one litter each, while a separate group of four non-breeding adults and subadults lived there, ranging between the families. We define this newly observed social structure during breeding season as a breeding clan.

Footage of a wild boar attempting to attack an adult wolf

Co-author Irina Rotenko

Recently, we captured an interesting moment when a large wild boar tried to attack an adult wolf just after it had crossed a river via a beaver dam.

Again, higher survival of wolf pups in the conditions of lower numbers of lynxes and brown bears in summer 2025

Co-authors: Louise Giovannelli and Irina Rotenko

From mid-August to the end of October, we closely monitored the wolf families that had been registered as denning in Naliboki Forest (central-western Belarus) in late spring of this year. In addition to our spring findings, we discovered in early autumn that one breeding group had previously gone unnoticed. This group exhibited double-breeding behavior.

Outstandingly frequent marking by wolves in summer and early autumn: what does it mean?

Co-authors: Louise Giovannelli and Irina Rotenko

Usually, from May until the end of September, wolves engage in territorial marking only sparingly. Breeding individuals, in particular, tend to avoid excessive marking. Non-breeders continue territorial marking at levels similar to those in the cold season, or even noticeably less.

One Important Factor Overlooked in the European Mink’s Demise

As a former researcher of wild European mink populations, I should have published these findings two decades ago. But better late than never. Back then, my attention was consumed by large carnivores and their conservation challenges, and I regret having neglected other essential topics. That oversight still weighs on me.

Wolf breeding clan under conditions of surplus prey abundance in Naliboki Forest: a new phenomenon

Co-author: Irina Rotenko

Over the last decades in Naliboki Forest (central-western Belarus), we have repeatedly documented multi-breeding wolf packs — most often double broods, occasionally triple broods. We now estimate that roughly two-thirds of wolf packs in this region reproduce in this intensive, multi-breeding strategy. This is likely driven by a combination of abundant prey and continued human persecution of wolves.