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.
Continue reading “Some findings on the development of a wolf reproduction clan”Category: Current studies
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.
Continue reading “Footage of a wild boar attempting to attack an adult wolf”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.
Continue reading “Again, higher survival of wolf pups in the conditions of lower numbers of lynxes and brown bears in summer 2025”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.
Continue reading “Outstandingly frequent marking by wolves in summer and early autumn: what does it mean?”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.
Continue reading “One Important Factor Overlooked in the European Mink’s Demise”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.
Continue reading “Wolf breeding clan under conditions of surplus prey abundance in Naliboki Forest: a new phenomenon”Another brown bear attack on wolf pups discovered
Co-author Irina Rotenko
In late April of this year, we discovered a wolf den where the pups had been extirpated by a brown bear. Just yesterday, a new incident was recorded – another brown bear attacked wolf pups.
Continue reading “Another brown bear attack on wolf pups discovered”Study on the wolf breeding in Naliboki Forest (April-May 2025): a short report
Co-authors: Louise Giovannelli and Irina Rotenko
Throughout April and May 2025, we conducted a study on wolf breeding within the Naliboki Forest (the central-western region of Belarus), covering an area of approximately 1,800 square kilometers.
Continue reading “Study on the wolf breeding in Naliboki Forest (April-May 2025): a short report”Abundance of signs of denning in wolves in relation to weather
Co-authors: Irina Rotenko and Louise Giovannelli
In this short post, we examine the clear relationship between the abundance of wolf denning signs and weather conditions during the denning period in wolves in Naliboki Forest, the central-western region of Belarus.
Continue reading “Abundance of signs of denning in wolves in relation to weather”Unusually early wolf denning this spring
Co-authors: Louise Giovannelli and Irina Rotenko
In Belarus, female wolves typically give birth between the end of April and the end of May, with about two-thirds of litters emerging by May 10th. Before 2010, significantly earlier parturition was very rare.
Continue reading “Unusually early wolf denning this spring”
Zoology by Vadim Sidorovich 