Grey Wolf Conservation

Hello readers,

In my previous post I have talked about animal conservation in Africa and in India, but today and maybe for the next few weeks I would like to talk to you about animals that need our help that are in America. One of the animals that are in need of our help is the wolf. Many think that wolves are extinct in the wild, but thanks to some really smart conservationist, the numbers of wolves in the wild are increasing.

According to Wildlife Conservation Society, “There are about 5,000 gray wolves in the lower 48 states, including 1,600 in the Rocky Mountains. An estimated 7,000 live in Alaska and as many as 50,000 live in Canada.”

Just thinking about numbers you might think that they aren’t in danger of extinction, so why not focus on animals that are? Well it is maintaining these numbers to keep the species reaching such a low point.

Since the 1800’s westward expansion has been the primary threat to the wolves and many other large mammals. Due to the over hunting of the wolves prey, many wolves died from starvation. Wolves that survived on cattle and other domestic animals were hunted and killed by settlers. This nearly eliminated the species; by the time the grey wolf became protected in 1973, only a few hundred remained. All of which lived in Minnesota.

For more history about wolves check out the link HERE

Now, there are several national parks that have specific protection plans for the grey wolf. Nahanni National Park in Canada is a wildlife haven and has recently increased their territory to 12,000 square miles, six times their former size.

There are also rehabilitation centers across America to provide education on wolves and why they are important to the ecosystem.

Wolf Conservation Center in New York is just one of the many conservation centers. They taken in wolves that can not be reintroduced into the wild and use them to help inform the public about the wolves importance. They have three ambassador wolves, Atka, Alawa, and Zephyr. These three young wolves have become a part of 157 offsite education programs, National Geographic headquarters in Washington D.C. being one of them.

You can read more about WCC and their ambassadors HERE

At Yellowstone National Park there are about 400-450 wolves currently in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These wolves are monitored throughout the year to keep track of breeding pairs, packs, and territory. Due to this rehabilitation of grey wolves, as well as other species in North America, wolves have been either put on a lower list for endangered animals, or completely taken off.

SEE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST HERE

Hopefully one day we will not have an endangered species list. Hopefully one day, people every where will see the importance and beauty of every animal on this beautiful planet we call home. No matter how small, or how big, every animal plays a role in the ecosystem.