Iberian wolves show preference for hunting Garranos horses in Portugal

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports reveals that the Iberian wolf is specializing in hunting Garranos, horses kept under extensive management, in parts of northwestern Portugal. The research, led by doctoral student Joana Freitas from the University of Porto, utilized an innovative combination of forensic DNA analysis and GPS telemetry to identify specific prey.

By collecting DNA from three non-invasive sources—fecal samples from living horses, tissue from dead horses, and remains found in wolf scat—researchers were able to identify which specific individuals were predated. This marks only the second study globally to successfully identify predated individuals using these non-invasive DNA methods.

The findings demonstrate trophic specialization, meaning the wolves are increasingly seeking out these horses as a preferred food source, a behavior documented only in the Iberian Peninsula and Mongolia. The study also highlights the importance of herd structure, noting that the presence of dominant males and adult females plays a role in predation risk and conservation efforts for the Garranos.