Study

Can relocated wolves survive?

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Translocate predators away from livestock to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Translocate predators away from livestock to reduce human-wildlife conflict

    A study in 1975–1978 of an extensive primarily forested area in Minnesota, USA (Fritts et al. 1985; same experimental set-up as Fritts et al. 1984) found that gray wolves Canis lupus translocated away from sites of livestock predation or harassment had similar survival to that of established wolves. Annual survival for 17 radio-collared wolves (60%) was similar to survival in three studies of established wolves in the region (65%, 66% and 21–100%). Between February 1975 and May 1978, sixty-two adult wolves and 45 four- to seven-month-old pups were caught in an area of livestock predation or harassment by wolves. Wolves were ear-tagged and released into forests, 50–331 km from capture sites. Forty-one wolves were released individually. Sixty-six were released in groups of 2–6. Fifteen adults and four pups were fitted with radio-collars. Seventeen of these were tracked from an aircraft for 1–588 days.

    (Summarised by: Rebecca F. Schoonover )

Output references
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