Increases in moose, caribou, and wolves following wolf control in Alaska

摘要: Short-term studies in our study area and southeast Yukon have previously documented substantial increases moose (Alces alces) caribou (Rangifer tarandus) following wolf (Canis lupus) control. To provide long-term information, we present a 20-year history beginning autumn 1975 when precontrol density was 14 wolves/1,000 km 2 . Private harvest agency control kept the late-winter 55-80% (x = 69%) below during each of next 7 years. Wolf numbers subsequently recovered ≤ 4 years most increased further to between 15 16 period deep snowfall winters. The post-hunt population rapidly from 183 481 moose/1,000 (finite rate increase, λ r 1.15) more slowly subsequent 12 (λ 1.05) reaching 1,020 by 1994. Delta herd 1.16), 1.06), then declined for (X 0.78) peak 890 caribou/ 1,000 This decline coincided with declines adjacent, low-density herds (240-370 caribou/1,000 ). These probably resulted synergistic effects adverse weather associated numbers. Reduced natality calf weights were weather. reauthorized halt herd's 1993. Similar subarctic, noncoastal systems without effective supported densities 45-417 moose/l,000 148, n 20), 100-500 , 2-18 9, 15) recent decades. In history, initial winters favorable apparently 19 growth moose, populations, high average after ended (12 Benefits humans included enjoyment wolves, harvests several thousand additional than predicted if had not occurred. We conclude historical data that controlling combination weather, can enhance abundance wolves their primary prey, benefits be substantial.