denning – Zoology by Vadim Sidorovich

One more finding of a lynx lair

Co-author Irina Rotenko

Denning of the Eurasian lynx, as well as its reproduction in general in non‑rocky, more or less flat regions of Eurasia—where most individuals of the species live—remains an enigmatic aspect of its behaviour and ecology. Gradually, we have become quite advanced in investigating these hidden traits of the species, having already found more than twenty lynx lairs. Step by step, we are moving toward publishing a comprehensive analysis of the concealed features of Eurasian lynx reproduction.

Dear Friends!

Just a small reminder: if you have ever wanted to visit us and join the wolf denning behaviour study, this spring is a perfect moment. We are looking for a few dedicated wolf enthusiasts who would like to come to our field station and take part in our long‑term research in the Naliboki Forest, north‑western Belarus.

Is there a relationship between initial litter size and survival to the first winter in wolf pups in Belarus?

Co-author Irina Rotenko

High mortality in wolf pups is a well‑known demographic bottleneck that strongly shapes wolf populations worldwide. Belarus is no exception: as documented in Sidorovich & Rotenko (2019) and in several posts on this blog, pup mortality here is particularly severe. In Belarus survival of wolf pups to the first winter is a crucial stage in the species population dynamics.

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.

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.

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.

Something outstanding about breeding in lynxes

Co-author Irina Rotenko

Over two decades ago, for the first time, I encountered a lynx family’s tracks showing that the mother had very small kittens in mid-December. The kittens’ footprints were almost half the size of a typical kitten’s at this time of year. A few years later, I observed this phenomenon again.

One more case of lynx denning

Recently, another former lynx den was discovered, which was active in the months of June and July.

Results of wolf denning study in Naliboki Forest (April-May 2024)

Co-authors Irina Rotenko and Viktar Kasilovich

During the 2024 wolf denning season in Naliboki Forest, we initiated our study in early April and, as of early June, continue to employ camera traps to monitor three wolf families with pups. Our previous research (Sidorovich and Rotenko, 2019, along with several blog posts) indicated that lynxes, brown bears, and bison exhibit aggressive behavior towards wolf breeding. Additionally, red deer and elks have been known to attack wolf dens housing pups and those with roaming young pups. Regarding the aforementioned wild mammals previously identified as antagonistic to wolf breeding in Naliboki Forest, we have observed changes in their numbers and distribution compared to previous years.

Heavy aggressive interference between wolves and brown bears in Naliboki Forest, Belarus

Coauthor Irina Rotenko

The Naliboki Forest, located in the central-western part of Belarus, is home to a dense population of wolves. Recently, brown bears have begun to populate this forested region, prompting an important question: how do these two large predators interact? Specifically, the aggressive interactions between wolves and brown bears, and the influence of their individual traits on these encounters, warrant further investigation.

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share: