2022 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Title

The Reintroduction of Wolves

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-22-2022

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Michail Fragkias

Abstract

In 1995, wolves were relocated from Canada and reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. This was done in hopes to thin out rising elk populations, decrease overgrazing, and balance out the ecosystem. Currently, Idaho’s wolf populations have multiplied by 73 times since 1995. This has caused both negative and positive impacts politically, economically and environmentally. In 2011, wolves were taken off the endangered list and made legal to hunt and trap in Idaho. The research in this project will show changes in wolf populations, harvest rates, and livestock depredation over the last decade. The data collected has been taken from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. They have conducted wolf management reports since 2009 using; trail cameras, radio telemetry, and various capturing methods. Wolves populate very quickly, making them a devastating predator to wildlife and livestock. Hunting, trapping and private management strategies can help balance out predators while bringing in lots of money that is recycled back into conservation efforts. Predator management can be an extremely sustainable way to protect wildlife and bring revenue to the state of Idaho.

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