Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf (Canis lupus)- Ethan Emanuelson

Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf                              (Canis Lupis)                                   

Description and Ecology

The Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf is a type of Gray Wolf that tends to be streaked with gray hair, black or all white  and is the ancestor of the domesticated dog. These wolves can range in weight anywhere from 50-180 pounds.

By 1945 the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf was extirpated from the West for the primary reason of predator control. These wolves were preying on the livestock of farmers and affecting the industry greatly. Unfortunately, today, the it is still being eliminated by federal control and poachers. Although they did almost disappear they have made an amazing comeback and have been spotted in the Great Lakes, northern Rockies and Southwestern United States but still have a lot of recovering to do before their population is healthy.

Northern Rocky Mountain Wolves play a key role in keeping the ecosystem in pristine condition. They keep animals such as deer and elk populations down which then benefits many other plant and animal species. They are also able to help redistribute nutrients with the carcasses of their prey and provide food for many other species.

 Geographic and Population Changes

 

Towards the end of the 19^th Century these wolves were located roaming the plains and northern Rocky Mountains. As the decline of native mammals occurred the increase of domestic livestock followed and without surprise the wolves began to prey on the new animals. Many local and federal governments initiated bounties on these wolves and hired professional trappers. In the early 1900s control over the wolves in Yellowstone became necessary because of the increase in the Northeastern part of the park. During these years at least 136 wolves were killed, including 80 pups. According to US Fish and Wildlife Service of 1973, the reasons for the decline in the wolf was land development, loss of habitat, poisoning, trapping, and hunting. Towards the end of the 1900s there were multiple reports from credible individuals that listed their observation of the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf. Between 1973 and 1977, 315 reports of wolves were collected.

Since 1982 there has been an increase in sightings and tracks of wolves found primarily south of the Canadian Border in Montana. In Yellowstone, there has only been a handful of credible sightings and up \to date there is no indication of sustained pack activity or reproduction. As for Idaho, the last place of residence for the Rocky Mountain Wolf, in 1939 there was an estimated 38 wolves remaining in central Idaho and as of 1975, 7 National Forests determined there was a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 40 wolves. At this time, no more than 15 wolves are believed to be present in Central Idaho.

Listing Date and Type of Listing

·        1974- Listed as endangered in the lower 48 states

·        2007- Delisted in the Western Great Lakes

·        2008- Put back under Endangered Species Act in Western Great Lakes

·        2008- Officially removed from the federal list of endangered species and US Fish and Wildlife Services gave Idaho, Montana and Wyoming full management

·        2011-Delisted in the Western Great Lakes

·        2014- Due to a Federal court decision, wolves were relisted under the Endangered Species Act

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/northern_Rocky_Mountains_gray_wolf/action_timeline.htm    

Recovery Plan

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the primary objective is to remove the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf from the endangered and threatened species list by securing at least 10 breeding pars in each of the three recovery areas for at least 3 years. The following steps are necessary to take the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf off the endangered species list and keep it off:

1.  Determine the present status and distribution of gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains, and develop a way to gather information on the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf.

2. Calculate and validate the population goals for a threatened and fully recovered population.

3. Allocate specific recovery areas, develop conservation strategies and management plans to ensure continuation of the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf will.

4.   Monitor Gray Wolf’s populations, habitat, and prey.

5. Develop and initiate information and education programs so that the endangerment of the wolf does not occur again.

What Can You Do?

There are many things that you as an individual can to help the gray wolves and one of those things is adopt a wolf. Your adoption helps fight anti-wolf extremists as well as helps advocate for better protection of the wolves. Another thing you can do is visit this website to send a message to government leaders. There are also many other ways to help, such as simply learning how you can speak up and be a leader here.

Other Resources

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/northern_Rocky_Mountains_gray_wolf/index.html

http://www.defenders.org/gray-wolf/basic-facts

https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/870803.pdf

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=A00D#CurListStatuses