Small ruminant predation may represent a problem in exercising control and preservation of the wolf. It may cause conflicts between sheep and goat breeders and wolves and represents a problem not only for breeders but for wolves as well. Such conflicts are frequently solved by increasing the cull of wolves. Small ruminants are protected by several different protective tools,however, in Slovenia there is no verification of their efficiency yet. The efficiency of the small ruminant protective tools may vary among different territories. Therefore it is too risky to transfer the research findings from abroad to our territory. In this research the small cattle protective tools were studied in three different areas: in the Kočevje, Inner Carniola and Primorska region. The survey has been conducted in the period of three seasons- in spring, summer and autumn due to the seasonal specifics and the possibility of the small cattle migration to other pastures which have different protective tools. 36 small ruminant breeders were included into research. All of the pastures under survey have been dealt with as an individual unit regardless of their owner and season. 117 units were surveyed for the purpose of the research. In the field it was tried to establish what kind of protective tools the breeders use, whether they use the electric current and evaluate the maintenance of the protective tools. With univariate statistical methods, it was tried to determine exactly how efficient the protective tools are against wolf attacks. Against the expectations the research showed that there arenʼt any essential differences between the protective tools. Among the different types of protective tools the protection with an electrical wire fence in the combination with the electrical net has proven to be the most efficient option. The relatively small differences between different types of protective tools indicate that the protection has not been appropriately executed and dutifully applied by the breeders. The compensation of the damage per wolf is payable on the basis of the statutory safeguards and resources. However, the research has shown that the damage is often substantial regardless of the formal regulations. According to the research, it has been concluded that the regulations are inadequately written. A completion to the regulations and the introduction of a new compensation payment system is suggested. This is a system which will motivate the breeders to protect their small ruminant. It is recommended that the compensation should be paid on the basis of appropriate small ruminant protection. If the small ruminant are not protected according to the new regulations, the breeders are paid a lower compensation each time they make a new report of damage. In addition to paying compensation, it is recommended that the state co-finance protective tools and provide a free consulting of how to use and maintain the protective tools properly.
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