Wolf

Importance/Issues

Wolves (Canis lupus) are top predators in terrestrial systems within SWAN parks and hence can significantly influence population dynamics of their ungulate prey species (Miller et al. 2001). They also can indirectly affect structure, composition, and parkwide patterns of vegetation communities through their influence on ungulate abundance and distribution. Further, because of its cascading effects through various trophic levels, wolf predation is a key component of biodiversity. Recent declines and shifts in spatial distribution of the Mulchatna Caribou Herd could potentially have a detrimental effect on wolf abundance and distribution in LACL and KATM, especially if this herd shifts to outside park boundaries, where wolves are subject to aerial hunting and other forms of harvest.

Wolves are found over most of SWAN at densities that are correlated with variations in ungulate biomass, and they are known to readily colonize new habitats as prey become available. In Alaska, conflicts among people with different interests in wolves are intense. Wolves can be a major predator of moose and caribou in national parks and preserves. Subsistence and sport hunters desire fewer wolves because they compete for game resources, whereas nonconsumptive park users desire wolves for viewing and photography. Because of these challenges, park managers need long-term data on wolf numbers, wolf prey, and natural processes such as vegetation succession that influence their populations.

Current and Future Work Efforts

Monitoring for wolves for SWAN park units is scheduled for 2010.