Implementing recovery of the red wolf-integrating research scientists and managers

Abstract

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) developed guidelines for the composition and role of endangered species recovery implementation teams, but few teams have been established and their success has not been evaluated. Using the recovery program of the red wolf (Canis rufus) as a model, we describe the genesis, function, and success of the Red Wolf Recovery Implementation Team (RWRIT) in helping guide the establishment of a viable red wolf population in eastern North Carolina. In operation since 1999, the RWRIT meets bi‐annually to review USFWS progress and provide recommendations aimed at maximizing success of species recovery. The team is comprised of 8 research scientists from disciplines including population genetics, canid ecology, population ecology, veterinary medicine, and captive management. Representation from each of these disciplines is deemed necessary for proper evaluation of recovery progress and assessment of future needs. Meeting attendance by the USFWS field management team ensures both proper reporting of past progress and future implementation of management recommendations. Over time, RWRIT members have assumed specific assignments for data analyses, further contributing to the recovery effort. Through the combined efforts of the USFWS field team and the RWRIT, the threat of introgression of coyote (Canis latrans) genes into the red wolf population has been substantially curtailed within the recovery area, and red wolf numbers and range have increased. The RWRIT serves as an example of a recovery implementation team that is successfully incorporating the principles of adaptive management and whose template could be adapted to other endangered species.

Our Heritage Is Already Broken: Meditations on a Regenerative Conservation for Cultural and Natural Heritage

“…The red wolf "once roamed an extensive range including the southeastern United States, and possibly the entire woodlands of eastern North America" (Stoskopf et al, 2005(Stoskopf et al, , p. 1146. Due to anthropogenic factors (hunting, habitat destruction, economic development, etc.)…”

“…As a result of this effort, wild populations of pure red wolves have been restored in the United States using Point Defiance wolves relocated to eastern North Carolina. This version of the red wolf story is based on others told elsewhere (e.g., Adams et al, 2003;Bohling & Waits, 2011;Manganiello, 2009;Roth et al, 2008;Stoskopf et al, 2005) and I intentionally include specific terms repeatedly occurring in those accounts, such as threaten, fear, genetically swamped, hybrid swarm, pure. Let us focus on the words "pure" and "threat" as an example.…”

Taxonomic status and conservation strategy of the endangered red wolf: a response to Kyle et al. (2006)

“…Efforts to restore C. rufus in the wild have faced setbacks primarily due to hybridization with C. latrans (Phillips et al 2003;Stoskopf et al 2005). Current management involves minimizing hybridization and increasing red wolf habitat through removal and sterilization of nonwolves (Stoskopf et al 2005).…”

“…Current management involves minimizing hybridization and increasing red wolf habitat through removal and sterilization of nonwolves (Stoskopf et al 2005). Because asymmetry in population size between expanding C. latrans and declining C. rufus likely prompted disequilibrium and hybrid zone expansion, in theory C. rufus may be recovered if hybridization is reduced at least until C. latrans can be excluded naturally by an established C. rufus population.…”

“…Because asymmetry in population size between expanding C. latrans and declining C. rufus likely prompted disequilibrium and hybrid zone expansion, in theory C. rufus may be recovered if hybridization is reduced at least until C. latrans can be excluded naturally by an established C. rufus population. Currently, efficacy of this particular strategy is uncertain (Stoskopf et al 2005), but its broader merits lie in helping elucidate the feasibility of restoring populations under threat of hybridization. Because invasive species will continue to shape ecological communities and conservation biology efforts, the red wolf program serves as a valuable model for future species restoration.…”