IL FAUT PLUS DE TIGRES EN YAKOUTIE
A partir du 15 Janvier, des milliers de loups vont être abattus en république de Sakha. Leurs prélèvements sur les troupeaux (chevaux, rennes) a atteint l'an dernier des niveaux inédits. Source : Siberian Times, ce jour.
L'opération durera jusqu'au 15 Avril, voire nettement au delà "si nécessaire". La baisse des populations de lièvres arctiques est
peut être en corrélation avec le déplacement de nombreuses meutes vers la partie centrale de la région...
Partout où le tigre est bien implanté, les loups sont beaucoup moins nombreux. Et beaucoup plus discrets. Or, l'impact du premier sur les populations d'ongulés est bien moindre que celui des seconds. Voir le détail, particulièrement éloquent et spectaculaire, dans :
Miquelle, D.G., Stephens, P.A., Smirnov, E.N., Goodrich, J.M., Zaumyslova, O.Yu. & Myslenkov, A.I. 2005. Tigers and Wolves in the Russian Far East: Competitive Exclusion, Functional Redundancy and Conservation Implications. In Large Carnivores and the Conservation of Biodiversity. Ray, J.C., Berger, J., Redford, K.H. & Steneck, R. (eds.) New York: Island Press. pp. 179–207.
Teams of hunters are being formed in the Sakha Republic to cull thousands of wolves responsible for attacks on deer herds and horses.
Currently there are estimated to be around 4,000 wolves in a north-east Siberian region which is only slightly smaller than India. Picture: The Siberian TImes
A state of emergency was declared after some 16,111 deer and 314 horses were lost in 2012 threatening the livelihood of local breeders in Russia's largest region, reported news agencies.
The three month wolf hunt was announced Yegor Borisov, head of the republic, which is also known as Yakutia. It will start on January 15.
'People are worried like never before about massive wolves attacks on domesticated animals in all areas of the republic, including central ones,' he said.
Currently there are estimated to be around 4,000 wolves in a north-east Siberian region which is only slightly smaller than India.
In a cull last year, hunters killed 730 grey wolves but the aim this year is to increase the number.
Officials see the optimal number of wolf predators as around 500, warning that the damage they cause by attacking livestock costs 147 million roubles, around $5 million. Deer breeders lose around 10,000 roubles, or $330, per animal.
The authorities have promised wolf hunters helicopters and munitions also with fuel and other equipment in the campaign to reduce the wolf population.
A cash bounty will be paid for each wolf slaughtered in the cull, along with prizes for the three most successful hunters.
ACTUALISATION DU 15 JANVIER 2013. L'objectif d'abattage minimal est fixé à 3000 loups. Des poisons habituellement interdits vont être utilisés. Les trois chasseurs les plus efficaces recevront 1 million de roubles, équivalent à 33 000 dollars ou 25 000 euros...
An annual operation in the Sakha Republic - also known as Yakutia - has been massively expanded this year and will use helicopters to spot and shoot the burgeoning wolf populations which threatens deer herds and horses. Last year hunters killed 730 grey wolves but with a state of emergency now in force, the aim in 2013 is to wipe out all but 500 wolves in a territory almost as large as India.
'Local authorities first announced a three months long hunting season, but quickly prolonged it to 'indefinite', saying that the season will be over only when the number of wolves would come down to 500,' reported Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
The wolves are causing serious losses to deer herdsmen with 16,111 deer lost last year from herds numbering 200,000. Some 314 horses were also lost to wolves. Deer breeders lose around 10,000 roubles, or $330, per animal.
Yegor Borisov, head of the region, warned people 'are worried like never before' over the wolf threat, stressing: 'We must have a clear plan of how to fight the wolves'.
Reports suggest that the republic's government may appeal to the federal authorities to permit the use of unspecified banned 'special means to kill the animals, including poisons.'
Hunters are being paid rewards to kill the wolves, with bounties of $660 per adult wolf pelt and $50 for the skin of a cub. Some districts like Verkhoyansk are raising the incentives an extra $300 per pelt.
The three top hunters will receive a one million rouble - or $33,000 - bonus. Others are promising a snowmobile to the hunter who kills most wolves.
So far there has been no outcry from animal protectionists. 'There are too many wolves in Russia,' said Vladimir Krever of the World Wildlife Fund.
The hunting teams began getting in place across the region earlier this week in time for the official start of the hunting season on 15 January.
The season normally lasts three months but this year has been made 'indefinite' until at least 3,000 wolves are slaughtered.
