The Journey of Sophocles: From Mount Parnitha to Mount Parnassus and Beyond
The telemetry data of the wolf "Sophocles," who was rescued by the Rapid Response Team of the Environmental Organization Callisto and the Hellenic Organization for the Protection of Nature (OFYPEKA) on February 8, 2024, from the enclosed grounds of the Police Academy in Amygdaleza, Acharnes (S.A.E.A.), as part of the LIFE Wild Wolf project, has entered a fascinating new phase.
Sophocles - Photo captured by an automatic infrared recorder (G. Iliopoulos / Callisto)
The wolf was initially named "Sophocles" in honor of Sophia, the supervisor of the Management Unit for the National Parks of Parnitha, Schinias, and the Protected Areas of the Saronic Gulf, who participated in the rescue operation. However, the name became more fitting shortly after, as the wolf, upon returning to his natal pack after a few days, began roaming in the wider area surrounding the ancient burial mound of the tragic poet Sophocles in southeastern Parnitha.
With the help of the GPS satellite collar fitted on the young wolf during the rescue operation, which provides highly accurate location data, the primary reason for the pack's approach to suburban areas was uncovered: the high availability of carcasses of livestock and dogs. These food sources were mapped for further study.
Map of Sophocles' Movements
Since early May, however, the wolf began to wander farther from the familiar boundaries of his pack's territory. After unsuccessfully attempting to cross the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway to the northeast, he turned west, beginning a search for a new vacant area to settle or possibly another wolf pack willing to accept him.
This movement over long distances, known as dispersal, is primarily exhibited by young wolves and serves as an adaptation mechanism. It balances the needs of the pack and the available food resources, preventing pack sizes from growing beyond sustainable limits. At the same time, it ensures the flow of genetic material within the population and facilitates the rapid colonization of new areas. Dispersal distances can be enormous, reaching thousands of kilometers.
At present, Sophocles is in the foothills of Mount Parnassus. It will be interesting to see whether he adopts a similar "suburban lifestyle" or not—and most importantly, how far he may travel.
