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Nearly Extinct Species: maybe only 100 individuals exist. Extinct. Yellowstone NP. 63 mi. 54 mi. 466 mi of roads 950 mi of backcountry trails 97 trailheads 287 backcountry campsites. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aEULGJ05So&feature=fvw
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Nearly Extinct Species:maybe only 100 individuals exist Extinct
Yellowstone NP 63 mi 54 mi • 466 mi of roads • 950 mi of backcountry trails • 97 trailheads • 287 backcountry campsites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aEULGJ05So&feature=fvw http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/crying-wolf-in-yellowstone/6198y2q (1:10) http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=3743475
Packs can kill larger prey Social vs Solo
Packs give the ability to obtain more food, but also mean sharing food, reduced chance of reproduction, and increased chance of diseases.
“hard” release: directly to new location In Yellowstone used“soft” release: Kept in 1 acre pens to acclimate to new environment
Yellowstone area wolf packs 2004 http://www.forwolves.org/ralph/historical.html
Wolf deaths 1995-2005 38 deaths= 33%
The cost of wolves in Yellowstone NP: Currently about 300 wolves 2003- 137 sheep and 66 cattle = $32,000 2004- 209 sheep, 57 cattle, and 6 other animals = $70,000
Are wolves responsible? year 1998 1999 2000 2001 1998 1999 2000 2001 Fig 5
high risk low risk
high risk low risk
high risk low risk
Are wolves responsible? year 1998 1999 2000 2001 1998 1999 2000 2001 Fig 5
Protection vs herbivory gully depth vs browsing Fig 6
The greatest difference has been in the deepest gullies, which are at the greatest risk of erosion. Fig 6
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits.
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits:More food available for other carnivores
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits:Increased Riparian Habitat Fig 3