Coexistence challenges: wolf-human interactions in Türkiye

Abstract

Human-wolf conflicts in Türkiye pose significant challenges to both biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods. This research analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns of wolf attacks on livestock and threats to human safety over the past two decades. Using georeferenced conflict reports and advanced spatial modeling techniques, we identify key environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing conflict hotspots. Our results show that the majority of attacks occur at night, are concentrated along habitat edges near rural settlements—particularly in eastern and central Anatolia—and have resulted in over 12,000 livestock casualties between 2004 and mid-2025. Seasonal variation shows increased conflicts in autumn and spring, aligning with livestock grazing periods. Additionally, the spatial models highlight the importance of landscape features such as land cover type, road density, and proximity to protected areas in shaping conflict risk. These insights are vital for developing targeted mitigation strategies, including habitat management, community engagement, and conflict prevention measures. Promoting coexistence between humans and wolves in Türkiye requires integrating ecological understanding with socio-economic considerations and implementing effective policy and community-based solutions for sustainable wildlife management. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd