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The gray wolf Canis lupus range in central Europe is dynamically expanding, reconnecting previously isolated populations. Thus, a recent paper has proposed to merge the current Baltic and Central European (CE) wolf management units, which are no longer isolated by distance. However, recent genetic findings indicate that these two populations are not genetically homogenous. Here we review the most recent data on wolf genetic structure in central Europe and show that even though the CE and Baltic wolves represent the same phylogeographic lineage, their demographic history has resulted in significant genetic structure between these two populations. While the groups are interconnected by moderate gene flow, it is not high enough to reduce the strong founder signal observed in the CE population, suggesting that population dynamics within the CE wolf range are largely independent from those of its source (Baltic) population. Consequently, a management unit combining the CE and Baltic wolves would not form a demographically coherent entity. Thus, we recommend that conservation management units maintain their separate status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem we address is motivated by the desire to regulate the size of the NW/SW European population of greylag geese Anser anser to meet a number of management objectives, including providing sustainable harvests and minimizing agricultural impacts and conflicts. Using simple models of population dynamics along with observed allometric relationships in birds, we have concluded that reported estimates of greylag goose population size and/or offtake at the flyway level are likely biased, perhaps severely so. Recognizing that resources are limited, we suggest that the most pressing need may be to investigate and strengthen monitoring protocols for offtake. We also describe a simple information-gap ('info-gap') decision model that could allow decision makers to make informed choices about changes in offtake until such time that more reliable monitoring information is available for greylag geese. With the info-gap decision model we were compelled to use a management criterion based on the growth rate of the flyway-wide population because true levels of abundance and offtake are unknown. Moreover, we emphasize that in the face of deep uncertainty about greylag goose abundance and offtake, decisions concerning management of the population carry a high risk of failing to meet conservation objectives, whatever they may be. While the info-gap analysis suggests an increase of offtake beyond the nominal level of 450 000 reported in the International Single Species Management Plan may be necessary to stabilize the population, we do not know the current level of offtake (i.e. whether it has recently changed from that last reported). Moreover, recent counts conducted by the range states and the International Waterbird Census suggest that the winter flyway population may no longer be increasing. For these reasons, management implications of the info-gap analysis must be viewed with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gray wolf Canis lupus range in central Europe is dynamically expanding, reconnecting previously isolated populations. Thus, a recent paper has proposed to merge the current Baltic and Central European (CE) wolf management units, which are no longer isolated by distance. However, recent genetic findings indicate that these two populations are not genetically homogenous. Here we review the most recent data on wolf genetic structure in central Europe and show that even though the CE and Baltic wolves represent the same phylogeographic lineage, their demographic history has resulted in significant genetic structure between these two populations. While the groups are interconnected by moderate gene flow, it is not high enough to reduce the strong founder signal observed in the CE population, suggesting that population dynamics within the CE wolf range are largely independent from those of its source (Baltic) population. Consequently, a management unit combining the CE and Baltic wolves would not form a demographically coherent entity. Thus, we recommend that conservation management units maintain their separate status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of waterfowl harvest on the dynamics of duck populations remains incompletely understood. While widescale monitoring and management programs have been set up in North America, far less has been done in Europe where populations and harvest are essentially managed at country level with a sole focus on population size. Hence, comparing North American waterfowl populations with European waterfowl populations could be useful in suggesting flywayscale management options in Europe. In our paper, we analyse historical capture-recapture-recoveries data for the European teal Anas crecca crecca and we compare the computed survival and harvest rates to those obtained from a North American recovery data set for the green-winged teal Anas crecca carolinensis, its sister taxon. During 1960-1976, the annual probability of survival was slightly lower in Europe (average over sexes: 0.485 6 0.101) than in North America (0.54560.010 for both sexes). Assuming a30%ring reporting rate, our estimate of the annual harvest rate was about three times higher in Europe (average over sexes: 0.17860.051) than in North America (average over sexes: 0.071 6 0.014). Although the European population increased over the study period and continues to do so, such a hunting pressure may potentially reduce our flexibility in managing this population due to uncertainties such as environmental changes, and have deleterious effects in the long term.Weuse our results to discuss waterfowl research and management in Europe. Initiating studies to estimate ring reporting rate would be an essential first step to properly evaluate the impact of harvest on the dynamics of the teal population in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]