Feasibility of wolf reintroduction to Olympic Peninsula, Washington.

摘要: During 1991, Booth Gardner (Governor of Washington at that time) called upon State residents to pressure relevant agencies work toward wolf reintroduction the Olympic Peninsula. Six years later, Representative Norm Dicks, Washington, and Defenders Wildlife President, Roger Schlickeisen, announced plans for a feasibility study. February 1998, U.S. Fish Service (USFWS) distributed request proposals study, cooperative agreement study was established between USFWS, Idaho Cooperative Research Unit, University in April 1998. We identified examined factors influence reintroducing wolves Peninsula, Washington. From review literature interviews with interested parties we following factors: (1) current historical status, (2) cultural spiritual considerations, (3) habitat suitability, (4) demography distribution potential prey, (5) adequacy ofhabitat prey supporting viable population, (6) future projections an population wolves, (7) socio-economic factors, (8) data limitations needs as factors. Our analysis constrained from lack regarding populations much region. Almost all lands outside National Park had road densities considered too restrictive long-term occupation by thus restricted analyses mostly lands. Based on previously published models, predicted 56 animals causing little moderate negative impact ungulate populations, minimal livestock depredation. also domestic animal interaction, disease concerns, negligible risk direct aggression humans. Although concluded is feasible establishment marginally cautioned such action may not be prudent. That is, substantial political, social, financial consequences. Key concerns included loss some isolated culturally important elk herds, reactions expressed local sportspersons, pet depredation, funding appropriate wolf-management program.