Making the Most of Radio Tracking—A Summary of Wolf Studies in Northeastern Minnesota

摘要: Abstract In a continuing study of wolves (Canis lupus) and their major prey, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus vivginianus), in northeastern Minnesota (U.S.A.), radio tracking has been the primary technique used since 1968. Some 182 106 have captured one area, most them tracked. All individuals for tagging were also blood-sampled so that nutritional physiological state could be determined. Basic information gathered about socioecology both species interactions two. Seasonal movements, home range territory sizes, migrations, dispersal individual studied, histories accumulated as long 4 years deer, 7 an wolf, 11 pack. Composite data over period 16 contiguous wolf packs. Studying large numbers predators prey enough period, however, made it possible to gather on population parameters these species. Thus productivity, density, trend, survivability, mortality, predation rates measured, details interaction between described from standpoint With identities locations social units known, wealth supplementary gathered. Individual packs tracked scent-marking described. Packs known compositions induced howl under various circumstances, responses analyzed. Carcases animals given thorough autopsies, causes death ascertained. The spatial distribution wolf-killed plotted relation deer-concentration areas wolf-pack territories, relationship was discovered socioecology. This attempt at combining predator blood-sampling animals, supplementing studies much possible, produced matrix entire predator-prey system far exceeds value merely recording series its constituent animals.