WolfThe UK Wolf Conservation Trust PrintIssue 43 Summer 2011 The Trust welcomes three new residents…

…but says goodbye to Latea • Bulgaria project update • Jim McNeill returns to Ellesmere Island • Canis lupus soupus: the classification of wolves ■ NEWS ■ EVENTS ■ MEDIA AND ARTS ■ REVIEWS Wolf Print

Editor Vicky Allison-Hughes Tel: 0118 971 3330 Email: [email protected] Assistant Editor Julia Bohanna Editorial Team Angela Barrow, Lynn Kent Tsa Palmer, Denise Taylor Editor's Published by The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT Tel: 0118 971 3330 Fax: 0118 971 0522 Letter Email: [email protected] Patrons Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams elcome to the summer edition of Wolf Print. We've had a busy David Clement-Davies spring at the Trust with many changes, some of which are Cornelia 'Neil' Hutt physical, such as additional fencing and restricted areas ready Erich Klinghammer W Desmond Morris to quarantine the expected Arctic wolf cubs. The pole barn is finally Marco Musiani finished and now just needs the displays installing. This will happen once Michelle Paver our newest arrivals – Tala, Tundra and Nuka – have moved out; read on The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Directors in the director's letter to find out more about them. Nigel Bulmer Anne Carter I've had the privilege of representing the Trust at two different events Charles Hicks Sue Hull over the last few months, Clive Readings (the Trust’s wolf keeper) and I Tsa Palmer attended the ABWAK (Association of British Wild Animal Keepers) conference in March at Port Lympne Wildlife Park (see page 6 for further Specialist Advisors Alistair Bath details). I also had the opportunity to attend the Mammal Society Claudio Sillero conference at Nottingham University in April where I met up with one Denise Taylor of our current research students, Holly Root-Gutteridge, who is The UK Wolf Conservation Trust is a company conducting PhD research into how we can use wolf howls to track their limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales. numbers, movements and lineages. I later had the pleasure of meeting Company No. 3686061. Laetitia Becker who was presenting some research on a comparative The opinions expressed in this magazine are not study of wolves in protected versus unprotected areas in Russia. Laetitia necessarily those of the publishers or The UK Wolf works and carries out her research at the Russian project the UKWCT Conservation Trust. has helped to fund over the last five years. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is Also included in this edition is an article from 'the iceman', Jim McNeill. prohibited. The work may not be photocopied or otherwise produced within the terms of any licence granted by the Copyright We were delighted to have Jim attend our first open day of 2011 in May Licensing Agency Ltd or the Publishers Licensing Society Ltd. and speak about his trips to Ellesmere Island, the high Arctic and his encounters with Arctic wolves. We are also lucky enough to have in this Aims of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust edition an article on the fascinating topic of wolf classification from · To increase public awareness and knowledge of wild biologist L. David Mech, who has studied and written about wolves for wolves and their place in the ecosystem. about 50 years. · To provide opportunities for ethological and other research that may improve the lives of wolves both in In all, it's been a busy few months, but having the enjoyment of being captivity and in the wild. part of the team hand-rearing wolf cubs again makes it all worthwhile. · To provide wolf-related education programmes for Five years ago when I started at the Trust I had the opportunity to help young people and adults. hand-rear Mosi, Mai and Torak which was wonderful, but to now have · To raise money to help fund wolf-related conservation the chance again... what can I say – it's amazing! I look forward to the projects around the world. arrival of the three Arctic cubs (see page 7) to enhance our lives further. Download Wolf Print, including back issues, from www.ukwolf.org I really hope you all enjoy this edition of Wolf Print and will continue to follow us and the wolves in the coming years as our new generation of Design and artwork: Business Pluspoint wolves grow and mature. www.businesspluspoint.co.uk Tel: 0118 988 5530 email: [email protected] Vicky Allison-Hughes Printed by: Pensord, NP12 2YA. www.pensord.co.uk Printed on FSC paper from sustainable forest sources. Education Officer / Wolf Handler / Wolf Print Editor This magazine is fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you can help to reduce waste and add to the millions of tonnes of paper already recycled every year by the UK paper industry. You can recycle paper through your

Cover photo: Tala, andNuka Tundra at weeks, five by Clive Readings home recycling collection scheme or at your local recycling centre. Visit www.recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find your nearest site. 2 UKWCT WOLF PRINT 10 13 contents REGULARS

2 Editor's Letter 14 Life and Behaviour of Wolves Wolves and Climate Change 22 Wolves of the World 25 Merchandise Wolf gifts and souvenirs 26 Making Tracks 12 A review of Wolfer’s Carter Niemeyer

NEWS FROM THE TRUST

4 Director's Letter and Trust News 8 Update on the Trust’s wolves 12 Tala, Tundra and Nuka The Trust’s newest residents 13 A tribute to Latea

FEATURES 28 10 Ice Warrior Jim McNeill returns to Ellesmere Island 16 The Scientific Classification of Wolves L. David Mech investigates this complicated issue 18 Balkani Wildlife Society Elena Tsingarska on the wolf study and conservation project 20 The Wolves of Transylvania Alan Sparks on wolf conservation in Romania 28 Animal Magic Julia Bohanna interviews sculptor Sally Matthews 30 Hunter Creative writing from Winchester University’s Aimee Topham

WHAT'S COMING UP

31 Events at the Trust 25 Open days, holiday activities, howl nights and more ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 3 Trust News Director’s Letter Wolves are always full of surprises: subsequently commented on the unusual I never imagined that I would be bottle- amount of howling that night! feeding cubs again this spring, some forty years since I first bottle-fed Quatro, a Mai's first cub was very slow arriving: we male Canadian wolf who came from Port saw its back legs coming out at about Lympne. At ten days old, Quatro lived in a 10.00pm and it was eventually born about cardboard box in my flat. He went to 10.30pm. It was a traumatic half an hour work with me every day for the first six in which we thought that the cub was weeks of his life living under my desk – I unlikely to survive. Mai's behaviour with had a long-suffering boss! Our present this cub was extraordinary: when the cub cubs – Nuka, Tala and Tundra – have a was born Mai licked it and pawed it and spacious barn designed for their then immediately set about digging in the upbringing which is fantastic facility. earth and burying it. Tsa with the three new arrivals We never expected Mai would have cubs We were shocked by Mai’s reaction. We this spring. Although she was very were not able to tell yet if it was dead installed a camera trap which recorded all flirtatious to Motomo while she was in and, as it was Mai’s first birth, we were the events in the den David Attenborough- season in February and made advances to worried she might do this to all the style. It was a wonderful achievement. him, we never saw anything reciprocated! subsequent cubs. We then decided to He obviously waited until cover of leave her on her own for a while, as we It was a memorable experience and for darkness to mate with her, when he was were concerned we might be upsetting that time after the birth of Mai's first cub least vulnerable. Torak, on the other her by our presence. and her subsequent behaviour in burying hand, was very open with his activities it, was undoubtedly the most agonising with Mosi – showing us the difference in An anxious 45 minutes passed before we few hours I have spent watching our behaviour of socialised wolves. went down to see her again. To our wolves. horror on arriving back with her we saw a We first noticed a change in Mai's dead cub in front of her and our worst Since then, Nuka, Tala and Tundra, thanks behaviour in March when she spent large fears appeared to have been confirmed. to the endless enthusiasm of the parts of the day digging furiously in the However, we then heard a squeaking and volunteers who have all taken shifts to clay earth in the mound in her enclosure. realised she had given birth to a live cub cover the night feeds, have come on leaps For that period of time she became an and she had just dug up the first one and bounds and will soon be ready to live orange-coloured wolf as the clay stuck to again, presumably to check it wasn't still outside. My thanks go particularly to Paul her face. Motomo became increasingly alive. We were so relieved that she had a Denton who has had the unenviable task bold, coming closer to the fence by her live cub and so went to bed. At 5.30am of arranging the bottle-feeding rota for side and protective of her. By this time the next morning when I went to see her this period of six weeks. At the end of Mai was showing a rotund belly and was she had three live cubs and the dead one June our three Arctic wolves arrive for definitely eating for two, so we arranged still beside her. Her instinct that their quarantine and then at the for our vet Julian Slater to come and scan something was wrong with the first cub beginning of 2012 the six cubs will live her to check if she was indeed having and so to immediately bury it was together. We have been taking lots of cubs or whether it was a phantom amazing. It astonished us all. video footage of the cubs and will hope to pregnancy. Mai was very good about make this together with their later letting Julian shave her belly. To our May 3rd – albeit 12 years ago – is by development into a DVD for members to delight the scan in the middle of April amazing coincidence the same date that buy. confirmed that she was expecting cubs. Lunca, Latea and Alba, our European Julian predicted there would only be a wolves, were born. It has not all been happy news, however. few and that they would be due in early We were devastated to lose Latea so May. Mai allowed the people she knows and suddenly on 27th May. The only trusts to go within a metre of her and the compensation is that Duma and Lunca are We decided we had to separate Mai from cubs when entering to check they were all now living together. They are old friends Motomo at the end of April so that the doing ok. Motomo continued to be very and used to live together in a large group cubs could be born above ground and so unsettled living without Mai and had of Dakota, Duma Alba Lunca and Latea. that we could help Mai if she needed it, retreated to living in the tree area. He Unfortunately in 2001 after the fight in away from Motomo. would come close to Mai on occasion which Dakota's tail was bitten, they had during the day. By day 10 Mai was to be separated. Duma will not get to live Clive Readings, the Trust's wolf keeper, spending quite a lot of time near the with the cubs which, considering their converted a log hut into a den which Mai fence so we decided that this was the endless energy and roughness, she will be accepted after digging some earth out for opportune time to put her back with relieved about. a couple of days. On 2nd May Mai was off Motomo and then hand-raise the cubs – her food and we thought the time was crucially before their eyes fully opened. When the Arctics arrive we will have near. On 3rd May Clive, myself and This is so they could become ambassadors European, American and Arctic wolves in Angela Barrow checked Mai in the for the Wolf Trust. The change in Motomo one facility. This will indeed be a first in evening about 9.30pm to find she was once Mai was back with her was amazing: the UK and we look forward to seeing you starting her contractions. Throughout the he once again became confident to come all either at the Open Days later in the birthing Motomo was the other side of down to the fence. On the Open Day year or on other occasions. We certainly the fence near Mai barking and making a delighted everyone by posing most of the have our hands full! huge amount of noise to warn off other day by the platform. In fact he was better wolves or people. This set all the wolves than Torak, who as usual took himself off Tsa Palmer, off howling all night and my neighbours to the back of the top enclosures. We had Director.

4 UKWCT WOLF PRINT NO SMOKING John Denness: 26th April 1943 – 29th January 2011 We were very shocked to hear about the in memory of John and the work he did. As well as Mai’s cubs, the Trust has some sudden passing of John Denness. He was The trees will provide shelter for the new babies of the feathered variety on site! one of the first volunteers Roger Palmer wolves and a habitat for local small recruited to the Trust when it all began wildlife. over 15 years ago. And it quickly became apparent the enormous passion John Our sincere condolences go to John's had for wolves and wildlife in general. family. He devoted a great deal of time and energy in helping to establish the Trust in its early formation.

At his funeral there was standing room only, which is testament to the high regard his family, friends and former colleagues had for him (John was retired, you know – a statement he jokingly and constantly shared with everyone he spoke to after he retired from work).

The Trust has planted three silver birch, two hornbeam and two maple trees in Photo: Jason Siddall the holding areas of the wolf enclosures John with Mosi and Mai by Denise Taylor

UK visits UKWCT

Over 60 Oracle UK volunteers literally cried 'wolf!' when they visited the UK Wolf Conservation Trust during Earth Week 2011.

Following a site briefing, volunteers, divided into ten project teams, quickly got to work transforming the site as inquisitive wolves looked on from their enclosures. Tasks undertaken included painting two new kennels and twenty-five picnic benches, re-roofing and repainting the tool shed, feed room floor, education block and shop, building two new wolf enclosures, step construction for the new wolf walk route, putting up the open day marquee, installing secondary fencing in the bottom enclosure holding area, and trimming the perimeter grass around the wolf enclosures.

After stopping briefly for a quick sandwich at lunch the team were soon back on the job seeking to complete all the assigned tasks in time to enjoy a walk with Duma at the end of the day.

This was truly a magnificent effort by all who took part and is very much appreciated by all of us here at the Trust. Thank you.

TV Presenter Gordon Buchanan visits Trust

Scottish wildlife film-maker, Gordon Buchanan, noted for his contributions to Big Cat Diary, Springwatch and Natural World visited the Trust in May to film the introduction for his new programme on wolves commissioned by National Geographic. The programme is due to be aired in 2012. We will announce further details nearer the date.

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 5 Trust NewsNew project supported

We are pleased to tell you about a new grey wolf. Even the possibility of both idea regarding their current conservation project the Trust has started supporting species existing in the country cannot be status, threats to them and relevant in Nepal, jointly run by Raju Acharya totally ruled out since not a single study conservation interventions. and Yadav Ghimirey from Friends of has been dedicated to explore and Nature in Kathmandu, Nepal. assess the status or ecology of this rare The initial objectives of the study are to: canid species in the country. It could be The distribution of wolves in Nepal is not concluded from the interaction with Ÿ Assess the status of grey wolf in the certain; there have been different direct people from different parts of Nepal that proposed study area observations and sightings in different the poisoning of carcasses as a part of Ÿ Identify, document the prevalent areas. Currently it is widely recognised retaliatory actions by villagers has led to threats to the wolves that Nepal has an unknown population a sudden decrease in their number. No Ÿ Document the ethno-wolf relation in of wolves (Canis lupus) with no baseline concrete conservation initiatives can be the area information on their status, behaviour, efficiently executed as long as we do not population estimates and range. There is have, at least, a crude data on their The funding the Trust provided in March also the possibility that the wolves found relative abundance and ecology. 2011 will allow the initial collection of in Nepal could be a distinct species of Moreover, the relation with humans is data to hopefully fill in some of the gaps Himalayan wolf (Canis himalayansis) also an interesting aspect of the species in our knowledge of the wolf in Nepal. rather than being a sub species of the that has to be documented to get an

ABWAK (Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers)

trucks and headed off for an exclusive view across the 100-acre paddock which contains over 200 species including their herd of giraffe, which ambled alongside the trucks and were an amazing sight! Back in the warm the talks continued with topics looking at training and behaviour, husbandry, conservation, nutrition and an introduction to ZIMS (a global interactive database to allow easier record-keeping on individual animals).

The speakers over the two days were knowledgeable and fascinating to listen to. Clive and I were certainly not short on topics to chat about on the drive back to Berkshire. I am very much ABWAK was started in 1974 and is a ago, to 'Behavioural management for looking forward to the 2012 symposium membership organisation for those the Modern Keeper' which was a at Bristol Zoo. interested in and involved in the thought-provoking presentation on keeping and conservation of wild enrichment and training. Vicky Allison-Hughes animals. In March this year Clive Readings (UKWCT Wolf Keeper) and I After a successful first day of attended the two-day seminar at Port presentations and an opportunity to Lympne Wildlife Park. The talks over the see the wonderful animals at Port WANTED two days were varied and very Lympne, including a glimpse of the interesting. These covered topics Iberian wolves, we were treated to a ranging from 'The Role of the Modern delicious three-course meal in the Wooden shed (approx. 6' x 4') to store Zookeeper' which was a look at how far Mansion House. Day two started with a chairs next to our new education barn we have come in our practices and rather cold tour round the 'African Flat Screen TV (20"–22") to be wall- techniques since the first collections of Experience'. We arrived back at the mounted for the current education room. exotic species were held many years park for 9.15am, boarded the safari

6 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Coming soon to the Trust:

t was with great delight I headed to this pup has remained with her and is probably only adds to her princess-like Canada some weeks ago to get my doing very well. qualities! Ifirst glimpse of the Arctic wolf cubs who will be coming over to become part We have named each of the pups from Pukak is a strong character who certainly of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust's the Labradoran Inuit Language: rules the roost and with Sikko's growing family. assistance can just about overcome any Sikko (f) – meaning ice obstacle in his way. It didn't take him We will be importing three beautiful Pukak (m) – meaning fine snow long to learn how to get round the Arctic wolves (Canis Lupus Hudsonicus) Massak (m) – meaning soft snow protective gates that were placed in the in midsummer, just as soon as they are house in an effort to contain the old enough to travel. The pups will then Spending 24 hours a day with six-week- mayhem! be quarantined for six months in our old wolf pups is a wonderful experience, facility at the Wolf Trust. The pups have but extremely demanding! They are so Massak is very, very laid back, except been hand-reared by Parc Safari in very inquisitive and run around when there's a bone around! The other Canada and donated to us to enhance constantly for approximately two hours two have to work as a tag team to our education programme. then fall fast asleep for another two remove anything he can chew from him. hours then start all over again! The first He's also the joker of the pack and I When Arctic wolf pups are born their three months of their lives is the best enjoyed many hours laughing at some of coats are of a beige colouring which time to socialise wolf pups and many his antics. gradually turns white following their first hours have been spent playing, walking, two moults. Becoming pure white is a feeding and sleeping with them. All three pups are extremely affectionate gradual process and can take up to two towards people and love to cuddle up to years to fully develop. Even at the tender age of six weeks the us when they're tired! Interestingly, all wolf pack hierarchy is forming. In our three pups made friends with a six- The pups were born on 8th March at case the Alpha pair are Sikko and Pukak, month-old cat who loved playing with Parc Safari in the middle of the worst who regularly gang up on Massak and them and joined them at feeding times. snowstorm of the winter. Mum, Roxy, boss him around or tell him off when it gave birth early in the morning and by suits. We look forward to introducing these the time the staff could shovel enough stunning animals to you in the very near snow away to get to her, all four pups Sikko is very much an alpha female and future. she had given birth to were very poorly. although incredibly loving is extremely Sadly, one pup died and the other three vocal when she wants or doesn't want Linda Paul had to be taken into intensive care. Roxy something. I think we have a little 'diva' Senior Handler then gave birth to one more pup; in the making and having two brothers

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 7 Wolf News Update on the Trust Wolves

e are now coasting into the squeaking madly and licking warm summer months, the his face in a very Wstressful breeding season has obsequious manner, trying come and gone and the wolves' hormones to get him to return her will soon be at their lowest ebb. Breeding affections. However, Torak season is always an interesting time to rebuffed her with growls observe the wolves displaying natural and noisy snapping of the behaviours, although it is sometimes a teeth until he knew that the shock for the public – and our new time was right. He waited volunteers – to see the normally calm patiently until Mosi was in wolves showing their teeth and growling full season and then mated ferociously at each other! This is all with her several times over perfectly normal and is the way that wild a week or so. This provided wolves would behave during this time of an interesting talking point Duma (above) and Lunca (below) by Jason Siddall competing to see who will be the animal to when we had visitors on have breeding rights. site and people were delighted to see our since she has been alone is the speed at wolves behaving in such a natural way. which she eats. Wolves are set up to Torak was vasectomised when he was 'competition-feed' and of course Duma has younger so there will be no progeny had no competition for the last year. resulting from the numerous matings.

Torak and Mosi were temporarily retired from public duties during the height of the breeding season so that they could concentrate on what comes naturally. In a highly charged situation it is not fair to expect the wolves to behave politely to humans and it could also be dangerous. Now that this stressful time has finished, Torak and Mosi are back out walking with the public. Torak will not be doing any more meet-and-greets with the public because he has recently shown that he no longer enjoys such close contact with people he does not know. He will be happy to pose for photos, though.

Duma is in her 13th year and is our oldest wolf. This amazing animal is rightly regarded as the Queen of the Wolf Trust by her doting carers and receives all obeisance with regal dignity. After a few She still enjoys her food immensely but, health scares last year, and the loss of her rather than gulping it down in about five sister Dakota, Duma has bounced back and seconds, she now takes an age to eat it! is lively and cheeky with a physical stamina that belies her age. Duma has always loved We were shocked and sad to lose Latea so her role as ambassador and, during the suddenly in late May and of course this past few months, has fulfilled not only her meant that Lunca was now on her own. own duties but also those of the wolves Lunca is a completely different character who were temporarily off work due to the to Duma and would not have coped well, time of year. Duma relished this extra work so it was decided to see if these two elder Torak (top) and Mosi, by Matt Hoskins and would run up to the gate of her stateswomen of the Trust could live enclosure when she saw her handlers together as they had done as a pack about Torak and Mosi took full advantage of the appear on the yard holding collar and lead. nine years ago. They were taken for walks time of year and Torak was happy to together and showed no signs of respond to Mosi's advances, but only on Duma has lived on her own since losing her antagonism at all. The next step was to try his terms. Mosi was the archetypal 'floozy' sister but has adapted astonishingly well. them in the same enclosure. This and would creep up to her mate, The only behaviour that has been affected happened for increasing periods of time

8 UKWCT WOLF PRINT over several days and all seemed well. not stressful. Mai There have been a couple of spats over had handlers that food but this is to be expected, given that she trusted and Lunca will eat anything in seconds and that allowed the vet to Duma has not had to competition-feed for do the scan with a year! At the time of writing they appear no problems. Sure to have settled down well and have started enough, on a to go on public walks together. A tribute to blistering hot April Latea is on page 13. day we found out that Mai was in The partnership between Mai and her new whelp. On 3rd mate, Motomo, has proved to be a great May, the same success. birthday as the Tala, Nuka and Tundra at 15 days by Vicky Allison-Hughes European wolves, Mai gave birth to four cubs. The first was stillborn which was THE CUBS sad, but not unusual in canids of any species. The other three cubs – two Nuka started life as the biggest cub and females and a male – were born shortly still maintains that stature. He is also afterwards. growing in confidence by the day, enjoying short periods of play with his sisters and Mai was a very attentive mother and carers before making it plain that he wants looked after the cubs well. After about six his food. What happens after a good meal? days, she started to leave the den for Well, a good sleep of course. He took longer periods and could be seen happily to the bottle and is gradually being interacting with Motomo through the weaned onto minced beef and chicken fence or sunning herself on the grass. The which he enjoys. He started to howl at ten cubs were removed at ten days old and days old; a rather squeaky affair but are being lovingly hand-reared and cared definitely a howl. Nuka was the first open for by our dedicated staff and volunteers. his eyes and his ears were the first to prick Mai went back to sniff at the den a couple up. He has very attractive markings of of times but the bond with her mate is black, grey and brown and will probably Motomo by Panos Savvas stronger than the bond with the cubs, and take after his father in looks. she was overjoyed to be reunited with From the beginning, Mai was interested in Motomo. Tundra was the middling cub in size at this new arrival but it took a while before birth and seems to be keeping to this Motomo responded to her friendly regime. She has very similar markings to advances. In the early days, Motomo was her brother and it is difficult to tell them also rather wary of humans on site and apart, unless they are side by side when would hide behind the mound in the her smaller size becomes apparent. enclosure when people approached. Tundra has recently started to become Gradually, his head could be seen peering very adventurous, pulling towels off chairs round the mound, then he would appear and investigating the prickly ends of and stand at a distance to see what was brooms which seem to fascinate her. going on. Now he has grown in confidence Maybe she will take the subordinate role enough to come down to the fence line in this pack, testing everything to see if it is and look at everyone. He is an extremely safe before her more dominant brother handsome wolf with strong markings and and sister are exposed to 'danger'. is much admired by visitors. Mai is the best wolf he could have been paired with; Camera trap photo of Mai giving birth Completely black with a white flash on her she is friendly, approachable and has no chest, Tala was the smallest cub at birth. fear of humans. Having been given a very She has rapidly made up for her small size hard time by her sister Mosi last year Mai Mai loves to greet her favourite handlers by guzzling her milk and then taking to is much more confident since Motomo's through the fence and will lean against it, solids with alacrity. Tala is now only arrival and it is wonderful to see her so asking them to scratch and fuss her and marginally smaller than her sister and is a happy and settled. the handlers are only to happy to oblige. mischievous, lively and inquisitive little On one such occasion, Mai was having her wolf. It always seems to be Tala who is When Motomo arrived, he was only in his usual people-time when Motomo preventing her brother or sister from third year. Although he was interested in appeared from the back of the enclosure having a nap by chewing on their ears or Mai during the breeding season, no one and stood observing this ritual. He then legs until they wake up for a game. When knew for sure whether they had actually walked purposefully down to the fence and she finally tires, Tala will just fall asleep mated or not. It was noticed in mid-April gently nudged Mai away, taking her back where she is, which could be on top of that Mai was putting on weight so the vet to the rear of the enclosure. He obviously Nuka or Tundra or, if you are lucky, in your was called to perform a scan. As our has a sense of ownership! We are grateful arms. wolves are socialised (with the exception and delighted that these two beautiful of Motomo), on-site veterinary attention is animals have bonded so well. Angela Barrow

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 9 Ice Jim McNeill, explorer, film & TV safety adviser and guide, returns to Ellesmere Island.

T MAY SOUND AN OBVIOUS THING TO SAY, Ibut I consider life to be so short it is very rare for me to want to repeat experiences, but when the BBC Natural History Unit asked me if I was interested in helping them with a sequence filming arctic wolves on Ellesmere Island, in high arctic Canada, I The amazing thing about arctic wolves is jumped at the chance. that so little is really known about their activities in the wild and so it is not difficult The previous year I had spent seven weeks to become a relative expert. finding and filming the life and times of a wolf pack in the Bay Fiord region, right in One wolf pack has been extensively the middle of the island and had some studied by Dr David Mech and most magical "Disney" moments which I was deductions are based on this very good lucky enough to write about in a diary for study of some ten years in length. But just BBC Online. like any single family they can be quite different to their neighbours and I wasn't It was here that I encountered "Lucy", a surprised in the least when the wolves I've fairly independent female adult with all the witnessed began to react charisma and cheek of my own border uncharacteristically, according to the collie, Flash. research.

We instantly hit it off as she teased and On this occasion I was working with played with me as if we had known each Assistant Producer and Director Jeff Wilson other forever. If I left a piece of rope lying who was pretty determined to make his around our encampment to dry, she would mark and this was his chance. pick up the end of it and then look at me to see what my reaction was. If I ignored her Our first problem was to find a wolf pack. and turned away she would drag the rope The second was to locate their den and the into my vision and watch and taunt me third was to do all this in the two weeks we with it, waiting for me to react. So duly I had allocated to do so before calling in the would take chase and she would trail the filming crew and all the associated rope just out of my reach, watching that I equipment. couldn't actually reach the end and more often than not leading me into the nearby Luckily (or so we thought) the series, being river before dropping it. It was great fun a major production, had an appropriately and we became so close over time that I large budget which meant access to a felt comforted talking to her and she helicopter. This was employed to film seemed to spend longer and longer listen spectacular aerial sequences with a to me drone on! I was sorry to leave her special, highly stable camera, which was when we had completed filming and capable of beaming in really close from a returned to civilisation. (This was a Fergus long distance away and recording in Beeley film called "White Wolf, White glorious high definition. This was exciting. Falcon", part of the BBC Natural World We were going to try and capture the daily Series and well worth watching.) happenings of a wolf pack as the alpha female brings her cubs out of the den for So my wife was not surprised when I was the very first time. This was ground- off again, this time for a sequence in a breaking television and I was so proud to major production called Frozen Planet (due be a part of it. to be shown this year).

10 UKWCT WOLF PRINT As it happened, the helicopter was of little use in finding the wolf pack because although we did locate signs of wolves being present, we didn't actually locate any. Having been on several mountain rescue teams I knew that searching for anything from the air was a very difficult task and the chances of scaring the wolves off was pretty high.

It felt great, though, being dropped into an area on my own to walk across a mountain ridge seeking evidence of denning activity. On one such occasion I noticed a tiny movement in my peripheral vision over to my left and, adrenalin pumping away, slowly and silently I went to ground, lying across the soft boggy and muddy hillocks which make up the arctic spring terrain as it dries out to an almost concrete hard surface. There it was again, movement. my record of success. Nice as Within two hundred metres now… I dared this is, between you and me, not breathe and my heart was pounding. the task of finding a wolf pack Seconds later an arctic fox came running is pretty easy as long as you up to within one metre of me with her have a basic understanding of head bobbing up and down as if to say: their behaviour and an inkling of "Well then have you got any food? what type of terrain they might "I've got cubs to feed, you know. den in. "I can't hang around here if you haven't. "I've got to get on....." My previous experience had led hours later when And just as quickly as she arrived, she had me to believe that although wolf we observed six cubs playing with each moved on to find something far more territories are huge (in the region of 1000 other just outside the cave which they had important than me. square kilometres) if you set down and made their den. wait they will eventually find you and this In what seemed like no time at all we had is what we were hoping for. The filming was on and we immediately used up ten of the fourteen days we had mobilised the rest of the crew in the UK and we had not managed to find either our Thanks to Troy, my favourite bush pilot, we who took an agonising five days to reach wolves or our den. The pressure was on landed smoothly in a vast desert-like valley us. and poor Jeff was really feeling it, with and unloaded the aircraft and said our constant phone calls coming from and poignant goodbyes to Troy and his co-pilot. The rest, as the saying goes, is history, with going back to various senior producers at superb sequences of wolf behaviour being BBC HQ in Bristol. Sure enough, within twenty minutes of the filmed for the very first time by award- plane departing a large alpha male winning BBC cameraman, Mark Smith. We very nearly pulled the plug and appeared behind me as I was positioning returned home but instead decided to the camp site. We were absolutely I shall not give the story away as I would have one last search. This time I suggested delighted! And even more so when we saw rather you see the finished programme, we landed in a valley in the heart of a another male appear behind the first. but suffice to say that although I didn't range of mountains called the Sawtooth befriend another Lucy, I was highly Mountains, primarily because it had all the Having satisfied themselves that we were entertained by the hapless and hopeless characteristic rocky outcrops either side of no threat the wolves carried on down the antics of a wolf I called Alfred who turned a large sweeping valley which would valley in a purposeful fashion. We dropped out to be a useless but wholly loveable support a den. everything and prepared to follow in hot bozo of an uncle to the cubs who would pursuit, hoping that they would lead us to regularly give him the complete run- We packed the Twin Otter aircraft full of their den site. around! fuel, camping gear, all-terrain vehicles and everything to sustain us in such a remote We couldn't believe our luck when it Postscript: just two weeks ago another location for two whole months and left transpired that their den was within producer called me from BBC NHU to ask knowing that this was our last chance; our eyesight of our camp, just over a kilometre about the feasibility of following a wolf last four days. away and perfectly positioned for us to pack for a whole year. It seems the story observe. might continue... Since 2007 I've been "wolf finding" for various BBC film crews and have gained a Jeff immediately set to, keeping a constant bit of a reputation for doing so based upon vigil with the telescope and it was only two All photos © Jim McNeill

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 11 Meet Nuka, Tundra and Tala… …The Trust’s newest residents

Nuka (left), Tundra (centre) and Tala (right) at 4 weeks by Danny Kirby Hunter

Above: snuggled up with Mai at 10 days old by Vicky Allison-Hughes Above: Nuka at 3 weeks by Vicky Allison-Hughes Below: Nuka by Lara Palmer Below: Tala by Danny Kirby Hunter 3rd May 1999 – 27th May 2011

t is with a heavy heart that I have to towards them, trample on them and run mischievous unpredictability and zest for inform you of the death of Latea, one off at top speed. She almost had a grin on life will be sorely missed by all who knew Iof our European wolves. It came a her face, until of course, they caught up you and had the pleasure of meeting you. somewhat of a shock to find that she had with her and all hell would break loose! I will be eternally grateful that you left us without warning; Latea had allowed me to be part of your gang for appeared fit and healthy in the days Despite being a trouble maker, Latea the last nine years and have many before her death, living happily with her could be a very gentle, affectionate wolf treasured memories from our time sister Lunca. with those she considered as part of her together. group and loved nothing more than I was incredibly lucky to be accepted by relaxing after a walk, lazing in the sun Latea, we will never forget you. Rest in the European wolf pack at a fairly late having one of us slaves tickle her tummy. peace x. stage. They were around three years old If you dared stop before she had finished by the time I joined the UKWCT and as with you, you'd get a paw thumped on By Alex Simmons (Senior Handler) they were fully fledged adult wolves they your arm which was her not so were less than accepting when it came to gentle reminder to carry on. new people being admitted to their pack. Over the last year she had In fact, some handlers who had been enjoyed being back in work around them from a young age were and meeting her adoring being kicked out of their gang on a public; she frequently amused regular basis. We used to joke that we visitors to the Trust, whether were convinced they had a list on the she was hogging all the inside of their kennel and they were pumpkins at the kids ticking people off one by one! Halloween wolf walks or demolishing an enrichment Latea began life as the lower-ranking of feeder (usually in the rough the females and often used to get bested shape of a deer) during the by her brother and sister, but don't feel adult wolf keeper days. sorry for, her as she was always the trouble maker. Alba and Lunca would be Latea, whilst we can take small basking in the afternoon sun and you comfort that you passed away could see the look on Latea's face change peacefully in your sleep to one of mischief as she'd bound without suffering, your

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 13 Life and behaviour of wolves: wolves and climate change Pete Haswell

It is well known that the distribution across a range of habitats and wolves. Scenarios such as this could see earth is currently warming. climatic conditions throughout the temporary extinction of wolves from a northern hemisphere. Even so, they are region until conditions improve and the Whether this is natural or likely to face many problems and adapt in species can repopulate the area. Of accelerated by our actions is different ways to climate change course issues with genetic diversity, debatable. Regardless of the depending on the scenario. They are population connectivity and the cause, global warming likely to shift their ranges and migrate availability of founder populations to with prey populations. Prey populations repopulate an area where wolves have results in climatic change will migrate to areas containing suitable been lost all become crucial for wolf which in turn requires vegetation, habitat and climate survival in the face of climate change. species to adapt to these new conditions. Suitable habitat is in short conditions. supply for wild ungulates as it is, Wolves of different regions migrating to available habitat may be are likely to experience many subtle and problematic with corridors between them some more obvious changes due to Changes in precipitation, blocked or containing risks such as busy climate change. Adaptions in behavioural temperature and other weather patterns roads. Movement into populated areas patterns, dietary habits, physiological or will change the conditions of specialised may cause conflicts with people. Prey phenotypic characteristics, social ecosystems altering features such as soil populations may move into agricultural structure and behaviour amongst other moisture levels, humidity, river flow and areas and be culled leaving little prey for factors are all possible. Differences drainage, rising sea levels, etc. Species wolves, which may also be culled if between Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) that cannot adapt may have to migrate to present near populated areas. subspecies give a good indication to the find more suitable conditions or may even adaptability and range of conditions they become extinct. Particular stress will be The decline in prey numbers or can survive in. As a whole the grey wolf placed upon those organisms that have movement of prey out of an area may population and range distribution should become so specialised that they are cause wolves to switch prey and target remain relatively stable although wolf incapable of adapting to change. Seasonal other abundant prey sources that move survival is of course greatly dependent patterns of animal and insect activity will into the area. They may also prey on upon the role played by man. The also need to adapt to those new patterns species previously less profitable than management of wolves in different found in vegetation. Change in vegetation their preferred prey. An obvious worry is regions will have to become flexible and composition will determine the species that these wolves switch to domestic adapt to situations as they evolve. that will remain or move from a particular livestock and the management issues this habitat. Community structure is likely to would bring. This problem recently Apex predators like wolves exert shift and be upset, potentially becoming occurred in Siberia due to a low considerable influence on the structure unstable. Change in climate may bring abundance of wild prey; a combination of and function of the ecosystems they new diseases or invasive species to areas conditions, mainly anthropogenic, caused inhabit. Climate based alterations in wolf which have not experienced them before; the decline in wild prey. Factors that activity; range shifts and behaviour are this may be highly detrimental for an caused this switch include habitat likely to impact upon other species and ecosystem unprepared for such threats. destruction and fragmentation as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. Prey illegal game poaching of wild ungulates. switching is likely to alter population Wolves are highly adaptable. The consequential management decisions dynamics within the food chain, taking This is evident from their vast were unfortunately not in favour of pressure off one area and placing it upon

14 UKWCT WOLF PRINT another, this could lead to changes in vegetation or prey species composition and abundance. Changes in wolf territory size and prey utilisation could have impacts for other predators as well as scavengers. It is well published that through predation wolves elicit many trophic cascades which are beneficial to a range of species including us; they also help to regulate many ecosystem processes, a function which may be lost or altered due to climate change.

Recent investigation has shown that wolves act as buffers to the impact of climate change, particularly in ecosystems with winter snow cover. Wolves help provide stability giving ecosystems more time to adapt to changes in climate. Studies have shown that the presence of wolves can help mitigate changes in winter Russian wolf by Vladimir Bologov snow cover that may otherwise result in a lack of snowy winters, consequences scavengers that can quickly track food detrimental changes for vegetation and could be disastrous and ecosystem sources over great distances such as scavenger species in their absence. stability compromised without the ravens and birds of prey rather than presence of wolves. They may also help to species such as foxes, coyotes and bears. Fluctuations in the North Atlantic mitigate overgrazing by invasive species Wolves mitigate the effects of shorter and Oscillation (NAO) lead to fluctuations in likely to be a problem with new climatic milder winters by providing carrion winter snowfall in Isle Royale. The NAO is conditions. throughout the winter period through influenced by climatic factors and is likely predation; this allows scavengers more to be altered with climate change. In In Yellowstone National Park time to adapt to climatic and over forty years of study it was found that winter conditions and reintroduced grey environmental change providing an easier during periods of increased winter snow, wolves together determine the transition that is more likely to be wolves hunted in larger packs and availability of winter carrion on which successful. consequently the number of moose killed numerous scavenger species depend for per day tripled in comparison to less survival and reproductive success. During It becomes clear that climate snowy years when they hunted in smaller fifty five years of weather analysis winters change is to have many implications to packs. Following increased predation by have been found to be getting shorter wolf activity and behaviour, the wolves, moose abundance declined due to decreased snowfall and an ecosystems they inhabit and species they allowing a release from heavy browsing increased number of days with the interact with. Wolves can help provide consequently increasing growth of fir and temperature above freezing. Deep snow stability to their ecosystems and give other vegetation. Wolf control of grazers leads to an increase in metabolic activity species a chance to adapt to the new may be pivotal for the prevention of and reduced access to forage causing situations climate change will bring. They overbrowsing of vegetation especially ungulates to weaken and die. In the will face numerous challenges because of where climate change impacts winter absence of wolves, early snow thaw and climate change; many of these will be snowfall. If vegetation is more accessible shorter winters lead to a substantial especially exacerbated by increased and ungulate mortality is decreased with decrease in late winter ungulate mortality conflicts and the impacts of man upon the and thus species. Wolves are highly adaptable and carrion capable of surviving in a range of availability environmental conditions; however, causing food human factors are likely to play a key role bottlenecks for in wolf survival and adaptation to climate scavengers. By change, greatly impacting ecosystems narrowing the which rely on top carnivores to maintain window of balance. time over which carrion Pete Haswell, BSc Hons Environmental is available, Science (Biodiversity and Conservation). thereby creating a Pete is currently assisting with educational temporary work at the Trust, is collaborating with resource pulse, Josip Kusak on a project the UKWCT climate change supports and hopes to soon begin a is likely to doctorate of biology. favour Left: Mexican wolves by Tony Norton

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 15 The scientific classification of wolves:

L. David Mech Gray Wolf, timber wolf, red wolf, eastern wolf, brush wolf, characteristics. Thus some classification the existence of so many subspecies with arctic wolf, Mexican wolf, scientists (taxonomists) were "splitters" small ranges. maned wolf, Ethiopian wolf, and others "lumpers". Splitters tend to separate groups more finely, whereas Thus it made good biological sense when in etc., etc. How many kinds of lumpers tended to lump smaller groups 1995 the eminent canid taxonomist, Ron wolves are there? And what into larger clusters. However, there was no Nowak, published a reclassification of objective basis for determining which North American wolves. He lumped the 24 are the differences? This is a approach might be correct or more originally recognised subspecies of North really good question, and the informative. American wolves into five. In reality, whether one recognises 24, five or three answer is getting more Scientists who North American complicated all the time. classified wolves in races of wolves, a North America Wolves are great travellers wolf is a wolf is a were splitters. Old wolf. Science has not World scientists had pretty well recognized demonstrated any basic behavioural that there were eight geographically- differences among any of these races, nor distinct races, or subspecies, of wolves in has any scientist even proposed that such Europe and Asia. However, North behavioural differences exist among wolf American scientists split New World races. wolves into 24 subspecies. This is how there came to be so many common names So far I have only been discussing the gray for North American wolves, for example, wolf, Canis lupus, which is the most the eastern timber wolf, the arctic wolf, widespread wolf worldwide. The other the Mexican wolf, the great plains wolf, type of North American wolf that has etc. Scientifically, the subspecies or races traditionally been recognised is the red have three parts to their name (Example: wolf, Canis rufus, of the south-eastern Canis lupus baileyi, the Mexican wolf), but United States. Scientists still disagree all the subspecies are of the same basic about the true identity of the red wolf. gray wolf species, Some think the red C. Lupus. wolf is a cross between the gray wolf Mexican grey wolf © Gary Kramer However, wolves and a coyote (Canis LET US START by going back a few years to are great latrans – also called the way science looked at wolves more travellers. Ear- the "brush wolf" in traditionally – before the days of the new tagged or radio- some places). Others field of molecular genetics. Molecular tagged wolves have proposed that genetics examines the actual DNA of have dispersed the red wolf is just animals and tries to classify them from the natal another race of gray according to genetic similarities. packs in the range wolf, while still others of one subspecies believe the red wolf is Before the advent of molecular genetics, across the ranges a valid entity of its scientists classified wolves (and other of two or three own. animals) based on their physical traits other races. The (morphology). With wolves, it was current record is a From a worldwide primarily coat colour and skull wolf in Finland that perspective, we must measurements. These characteristics of travelled a also consider both the course, basically reflect the animal's straight-line maned wolf and genetics, but only indirectly. distance of 655 Ethiopian wolf (left). miles, or 1,092 The maned wolf One major problem with this older kilometres. This (Chrysocyon approach is that there is a certain amount potential to travel brachyurus) of South of judgment in assessing physical calls into question Ethiopian wolf © Martin Harvey America is not really a

16 UKWCT WOLF PRINT wolf; it is still a member of the Canidae, or packs like all the other wolves in the dog family, but it is not part of the wolf population. They look and act like all the branch of that family, despite its common other wolves. Are the wolves with the two name. The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), types of DNA the same species? What if on the other hand, may actually be a wolf. other genetic tests show they differ, but Traditionally scientists thought the animal the animals show no physical or was a jackal (similar to a coyote), but behavioural differences and can freely recent genetic study seems to indicate it is interbreed? What if the two types also a wolf. Some scientists, however, still think inhabit different but overlapping areas? it is a type of jackal. The last is precisely the case with the proposed new species of wolf called the So much for the less complex aspects of eastern wolf (Canis lycaon). This wolf lives wolf taxonomy. The complications have from far south-eastern Canada west to arisen because of the relatively new field southwest Ontario, northern Minnesota of molecular genetics. Molecular-genetic and Manitoba and is currently referred to studies are a powerful and valuable tool to as the "eastern wolf." In northern add incisive information about the Minnesota and adjacent Ontario, those relatedness of one group of wolves to wolves live closely and mate with wolves others. Mere appearances can be whose DNA (on this particular test) is the deceiving as the similarities between fish same as those in Alaska and northwest Red wolf © Greg Koch, USFWS and whales attest. Molecular-genetics Canada. However, the eastern wolf has studies, however, examine the actual DNA been proposed as a separate species. Not interbreeding. The geneticists proposed of animals and thus potentially reveal their only that, but also some of the genetic that two of these types be considered new true genetic relatedness. These genetic tests indicate that the eastern wolf evolved species. However, the scientists presented studies use chemicals to amplify the DNA in North America, along with the coyote, no data or claim that these animals found in blood, hair, skin and even whereas the gray wolf evolved in Asia. differed physically or behaviourally. Before intestinal cells that slough off in faeces. A Furthermore, the eastern wolf genetics the scientific community accepts new special, high-tech machine then presents a examined were identical to those of the species designations, it usually requires sort of photo of parts of DNA that can be red wolf. additional research and information. examined. Every wolf pack is So is the eastern What does all this mean in terms of Problems with the wolf the same as understanding basic wolf biology and molecular-genetics genetically distinct the red wolf? If so, behaviour? Actually not much. The approach arise, does the red wolf aphorism "a wolf is a wolf is a wolf" is however, from several sources. First the cross with the gray wolf in Minnesota? highly appropriate in this regard to anyone field is relatively new and thus still being That's what this reasoning and those tests except the taxonomist. tested by the usual scientific processes like imply. There is a hitch, however. The hitch replication, competing interpretation and is that the red wolf does not look like the Regardless of what they are called or what the continuing addition of new Minnesota wolves, and skulls of red wolves differences the current genetic testing information. In addition, the issue of can be distinguished from those of eastern shows, wolves throughout the world are subjectivity or personal interpretation of wolves and of Minnesota wolves. pretty much the same in basic appearance the data is still a problem. Relatedness and behaviour. The strong implication here itself or other multiple individuals arising If all this seems confusing, that's because it is that when it comes to the great majority from the same egg and sperm, every is. And adding to this confusion is the fact of the wolf genome that codes for basic individual is genetically unique. that both the red wolf and the eastern wolf appearance and behaviour – the DNA wolf can and do hybridize with coyotes, that has not been tested – gray wolves are Every wolf pack is genetically distinct on a but there's no essentially all the larger scale, and every wolf population is record of the gray Wolves throughout the world same. As to the distinct on a still larger scale, etc. Thus wolf of western races or where does one draw a line to group Canada and are pretty much the same subspecies of genetically similar entities as special Alaska gray wolves, or enough to call them different? interbreeding with coyotes. (The the proposed new species, time and much experiment has never been tried in more study will tell. Meanwhile, the Furthermore, how much weight should be captivity.) The much larger size of the classification of wolves to most members given to results of various genetic tests eastern coyote compared to all other of the public will remain a mystery and an relative to physical traits such as skull coyotes is a reflexion of these interactions. enigma probably best embodied in the measurements that have a genetic basis Also the fact that the eastern wolf and red not-so-scientific name, Canis lupus soupus. but whose genetics have not been wolf can hybridize with coyotes may be examined? For example, with one genetic further evidence the three evolved test, some 38 percent of 88 Minnesota together in North America or at least are L. David Mech is a senior research scientist wolves tested have a kind of DNA the same closely related. for the U.S. Geological Survey and founder as, or similar to, that of coyotes. This and vice chair of the International Wolf particular type of DNA has nothing to do Recently geneticists in India discovered Centre. He has studied wolves for 50 years with any physical or behavioural trait. that three genetically distinct populations and published several books and many Wolves with this coyote-like DNA mate of wolves lived adjacent to each other with articles on them. He is also a member of with those having wolf DNA and form no physical barriers and no apparent the International Wolf Advisory Committee.

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 17 Balkani Wildlife Society:

Vlahi is the village which Elena Tsingarska became emblematic for large The main priorities of our team have The Pirin Mountains have the second carnivore conservation in always been focused on: gathering more highest mountain in Bulgaria (Vihren, 2914 quality and up-to-date scientific m). It is located in south-west Bulgaria, Bulgaria. It was near Vlahi that information about the wolf in this country; south of Rila Mountains. Pirin is a National the first wolf was radio- working to improve the legal status of this Park, declared by UNESCO as a World species in Bulgaria by initiating the Natural Heritage Site. It is very attractive to collared in Bulgaria and this development of a Wolf Management Plan; tourists; therefore, infrastructure for mass provided essential data about helping to improve the conditions for co- tourism has been developed in some parts existence between humans and large of the mountain. However, West Pirin is the life of wolves. Here in the carnivores by implementing adequate still quite "wild". It is one of the best- village a unique education activities for minimizing of conflicts preserved parts of this mountain. It is still (preventative measures against wolf the least visited by tourists, which is good centre about large carnivores predation on livestock); and providing for the wildlife and for our field work. This was built. This is the home of information and education to the public fact also gives opportunities for develop- about the wolf and the other large ment of the area in a sustainable way, our ambassador wolves and carnivores in this country (brown bear, building local economy focused on eco- bear, which play the role of a lynx and golden jackal), through the Large tourism and organic production. Carnivore Education Centre we built up in bridge between humans and the Pirin Mountains. Field analysis on the wolf in Pirin the large carnivore wild world. Mountains. The field work During the last few years, besides all the The field analysis and collection of data we field methods we use, we focused on I get up, drink a quick coffee and walk to have been doing since the mid-1990s are trapping and radio-collaring of wolves, as the wolf enclosure to meet our wolves directed to data collection about wolf this is one of the most advanced methods Vucho and Bayto. While walking I am biology and ecology, species status and for wildlife research. We started using thinking: "… So much to do … What to start population trends in Bulgaria. other field methods too. At the end of with today…" Wolf study and conservation 2009 the team was able to purchase is a very complex and complicated issue. wildlife camera-traps. Since then we have Everyone who has touched this topic been working quite intensively with them knows this very well. And if you want to as well. work in wolf conservation you have to comprise many different tasks and Until now our team has equipped three activities: wolves with radio-collars, all in Pirin Mountains. By tracking those wolves we Ÿ Studies (in a country where almost no collected very interesting information studies are done for this species) about home ranges of their packs, Ÿ Public education (in a country where locations of den sites, wolf seasonal and "Little Red Riding Hood" is almost the circadian activity, migrations of young only "education tool" about the wolf); Brown bear caught on night-vision camera individuals, and much more. Ÿ Mitigation of conflict between local people and wolves We have been collecting our field data In January 2010, we started work with the Ÿ Lobbying to improve species legal mainly from two areas, although some of camera-traps. The goal of this work was to status (in a country where it is our data comes from all over the country. enrich and complete the field data we have considered as a pest), etc. For instance, we try to collect tissue been collecting about wolves in the study samples from the wolves killed by hunters areas. We were choosing trails used by How to cope with all that? I think the only from many different parts of the country. wolves and setting the cameras there. answer is: with a great deal of stubbornness! Kraishte is the area in which we started our Until the end of 2010 our team collected work in 1997. It is located in mid-west more than 120 wolf tissue samples for DNA OUR MAIN PRIORITIES Bulgaria, reaching the border line with analysis. The purpose is to analyze the Serbia. Kraishte is a low mountainous area, genetic purity of wolves in Bulgaria, as well In order to enable to the important wolf consisting of several small mountains, with as some other genetic aspects. The studies and conservation issues to progress many villages spread in the valleys samples were sent to Dr. Malgorzata Pilot we have certain priorities that correspond between the mountains, or on the from the Polish Academy of Sciences. Their to the unique situation and needs in our mountain slopes. Most of the villages are team is making these analyses for us for country. small, with mainly old people living there. free and we are very grateful to them for

18 UKWCT WOLF PRINT this. These analyses are very important for will be paid for our work and for the future decisions killed wolves at all taken concerning the wolf management and all the and conservation in the country, because information (DNA they concern the species genetic purity. samples, Our intention is to continue intensive measurements, studies on this. stomach analysis, etc. etc.) which IMPROVEMENT OF THE WOLF’S LEGAL can be taken from STATUS dead wolves is lost. In 2008 our team initiated the development of a Wolf Management Plan We will need to for Bulgaria by involving all interested find ways to solve groups in the process. We have already this situation, had eight workshops on which the because this is a management plan has been developed. big loss for The working group includes further wolf Wolf distribution in Bulgaria (data from 2011) representatives from official institutions studies and Data collected from forestry units and analysed by the author Computer work to produce this map was done by Chris Senior responsible for management and conservation in conservation of the species, scientists, this country. conservationists, livestock breeders, etc. instance the above two agencies, which PUBLIC EDUCATION ABOUT LARGE were represented at the conference). My hope, as a coordinator of the process, CARNIVORES was that we would complete the draft of LC Centre Website the plan for those eight workshops. The Large Carnivore Education Centre Our team was planning for a long time to However, the most controversial issue Our team made good progress with the LC make a website of the LC centre. However, raised long discussion, which was still not centre too. Until mid-2010, we managed to due to lack of funds and time, we had to resolved. This is the issue about the wolf complete part of it. The first level postpone it. In 2010, thanks to our friend protection season. All the groups involved exhibition hall has been built to a more Chris Senior from England, we got the have to achieve agreement on this topic. complete stage. We still need to finish the website done free of charge: There is agreement that a protection exhibition, but now there is more www.visitcarnivorebg.org. Now it is up to period is necessary for ethical and information and education materials for us to fill the space in the website with biological reasons. The question which still the visitors. useful and interesting information. needs to be resolved is where in the country this protection will be applied and We completed the café and the souvenir ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS in which period exactly. After achieving shop and they are up and running now. Our work would have been impossible consensus on that, we can make the final Media are interested in the centre and we without the support of our partners and step of shaping the Plan. get articles or even TV productions about friends: it. This helps to increase our popularity. EURONATURE, the UK Wolf Conservation Bounty system Trust, DBU, the Anglian Wolf Society, There is another important issue we have The Bulgarian National TV produced a ten- Frankfurt Zoological Society, Bernd Thies been discussing at our workshops. In minute documentary about the centre, Foundation, ALERTIS, Bulgaria, a bounty system to hunters for which was broadcast in August. As a result, Education4Conservation Society and ENEA killed wolves has existed for many years. the centre became even more popular and (Germany). All the above organisations During the discussions we reached we got more visitors for the rest of the trusted us and provided us with the consensus that this practice should be summer and autumn. financial means and partner support to suspended for a priority species (according realise the aims of the wolf conservation in to the Habitat Directive). The group The German h1-TV is also preparing a Bulgaria. decided that it would be good to continue documentary about the LC centre, which supporting hunters to some extent but will be thirty minutes long. We would like to express our special only if they deliver the body of a killed wolf thanks to our partners! for scientific analysis. It was important to Visitors to the centre maintain the mechanism for delivery of This year school groups and individual Elena Tsingarska wolf bodies, in order to be able to collect visitors were more than in previous years. the valuable scientific information. New schools, mainly from West Bulgarian towns, visited Vlahi and the LC Centre; we Elena Tsingarska, MSc, is a biology However, in May 2010 the Executive organized full day education programmes graduate working for the last 15 years Forestry Agency (which was the for them. mainly with large carnivores. Elena leads a responsible state institution for securing Wolf Study and Conservation Program in and allocating the funds for the bounties), At the moment we are preparing one and Bulgaria she began in 1995; conducts field stopped paying it with the excuse that two day education programmes for schools studies on wolves; has initiated and is there is no money for that in the budget. and for other visitors with the purpose to building up a Large Carnivore Education Thus things were changed before the include the LC centre in the list of Centre; and has initiated and is actual operation of the management plan. destinations offered by some travel coordinating the process of developing a The problem in this case is that no money agencies for alternative tourism (for Wolf Management Plan for Bulgaria.

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 19 The Wolves of Transylvania Alan E. Sparks

Historically, however, there are significantly more official reports of wolf attacks in Eurasia than in North America, possibly due to millennia of wolves being ike elsewhere, wolves in habituated to the proximity of humans – including the scavenging of human corpses Romania help maintain left during frequent wars. But some Lthe diverse composition researchers believe most cases involved and dynamics of the rabid or captive wolves, or wolves ecosystem. But also like defending themselves. elsewhere the long-term The wolves of Romania are "Eurasian prospects for large predators wolves," a subspecies of grey wolf, Canis depend on human values. lupus lupus, which prior to the 20th century ranged over most of the vast supercontinent – from Western Europe and Scandinavia eastward through Russia, Central Asia, southern Siberia, Mongolia, the northern Himalayas, and China – but now reduced in extent due to human © B&C Promberger. A captive Eurasian wolf near Zarnesti, Romania persecution and loss of habitat, especially in the west. The Eurasian wolf is believed to descend from canids that migrated from SITTING ON RIGID BENCHES in the stark, around the village about wolf attacks on the North American continent across the cold classroom, bundled in winter coats people. No computer or Internet is Bering Strait when it was land or ice, and hats, the small group of sixth graders available to aid this task – the children possibly in multiple waves beginning at listens attentively as Simona Buretea must query their relatives and friends, least two million years ago. After evolving describes ways to publicise the discovering who told whom what, trying to into wolves, some migrated back to North presentation they will give to the village trace the stories back to the sources. America, possibly also in multiple waves. next week. The meagre heat from a wood stove is lost in the immensity of the large, The 27,000 square miles of forest THE WOLF’S ANCESTRY whitewashed classroom. Hanging carpeting the Carpathian Mountains of The modern grey wolf subspecies of crookedly on the wall is a tattered map of Romania, which cradle the Transylvania northern and central North America the world, depicting nations that haven't plateau like a giant arm, contain the most probably descend from a relatively recent existed for half a century. significant populations of large carnivores wave, as they and Eurasian wolves are in all of Europe west of Russia. Around more closely related to each other than to Through the tall windows, which rattle and 2,500 wolves live in Romania (over 15 smaller wolves inhabiting the southern sing as gusts of wind seek entry through percent of Europe's wolf population, fringes of wolf range on each continent. As the loose fittings and cracked panes, can excluding Russia), and about 5,000 in North America, the average size of be seen the spectacular panoramic view European brown bears and 1,800 Eurasian wolves in Eurasia varies geographically, that graces this small Transylvanian lynx live there as well, even though, with generally increasing toward the north. The mountain village of Pestera. Farmhouses 22 million people residing in a little more Romanian wolf is of intermediate size, are scattered on rolling hillsides or perched than the same area, Romania is about four most adults weighing between 75 to 130 precariously along the spines of ridges, times more densely populated than lbs. Average pack size (around five) and seeming to hang in the thin, invisible air Minnesota. territory sizes (between 80 and 300 sq km) that blows cold from the snow-capped tend to be smaller than typical of most peaks beyond. As the students walk to It is commonly believed in Romania that wolf populations in north-western North school, which is an hour-and-a-half journey wolves are dangerous to humans. The fear America. for some, their hearts quicken from more is rooted in wolf-attack stories that than just the exertion and the beauty of circulate until they become unverifiable After World War II nearly 5,000 wolves the scenery… for they hear stories. folklore. An investigation of 41 such stories lived in Romania, ranging over most of the in the last half century confirmed that country. Livestock depredation was It is a thawing spring day in 2003. Simona is eight were based on factual events, but in excessive, so the Communist government the public awareness officer for the every case the wolf was either rabid or sought to reduce predators via hunting, Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (CLCP), injured, or trapped or cornered and trapping, and the use of poisons and a non-governmental organisation that defending itself from attack. There were bounties. By 1967 the wolf population had conducted research in Romania on the no serious injuries to humans. fallen to about 1,550 although, like coyotes behaviour and ecology of wolves, bears in America, jackals began to invade and lynx from 1993 until 2003 to help At their presentation the students of lowland areas where wolves had been conserve the unique natural heritage of Pestera report their results to a rather eradicated. Then the new dictator, Nicolae the region. She has commissioned the boisterous and sceptical audience: none of Ceausescu, an avid bear hunter, instituted students to investigate stories going the wolf-attack stories could be verified. rigorous measures aimed at promoting his

20 UKWCT WOLF PRINT quarry, including banning poisons and wild ungulate species: roe deer firearms and protecting habitat. (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar Wolves and their wild prey benefited, and (Sus scrofa). There is no evidence their numbers began to rebound. When suggesting wolves in Romania the Communist regime fell in 1989 the are limiting wild ungulates at © Alan E. Sparks. Clouds enshroud Carpathian Mountain peaks protections ceased, and the large depressed levels (although near the village of Poienile de Sub Munte in the Maramures predators soon faced the same pressures recent heavy poaching may be); region of northern Romania. that had decimated their numbers in most nevertheless wolves can be The 27,000 square miles of forest carpeting the Carpathian of the rest of Europe. Conforming to perceived as competing with Mountains of Romania, which cradle the Transylvania plateau European biodiversity and conservation human hunting (a source of like a giant arm, contain the most significant populations of goals, Romania restored protection to much-needed foreign revenue). large carnivores in all of Europe west of Russia. wolves in 1996, although limited hunting is allowed, and enforcement is problematic. MANAGING WOLVES for food; most people never aware of their Romania is divided into over 2,200 game presence. Since opening to the West, the Today the carnivores of Romania are areas managed to maintain game natural beauty of the Romanian relatively tolerated despite Romania's populations at levels determined according Carpathians is attracting new residents and being a developing country (average per to environmental and social conditions. tourists, leading to increased development capita net earnings about $3,300 per year Hunting quotas are set per area, and when of infrastructure, roads and summer in 2008; lower in rural areas) with an predation of wild ungulates or livestock is homes. economy significantly dependent on considered too high, wolves are also livestock. Agriculture accounts for about targeted. Yet managers do allow significant In southeast Transylvania lies the ex- 12 percent of the economy, employs about numbers of wolves in the areas, consistent factory town of Zarnesti, which is at the 30 percent of the labour force and in the with national conservation goals, and centre of recent efforts to realise Carpathians still sets the rhythm for an many hunters in Romania accept this, both economic benefits from the presence of ancient way of life. Rolling slowly along the because they value predators as game and wolves and other wildlife. To tap the country roads are horse-drawn carts because they believe predation improves lucrative eco-tourism market, a tour-guide carrying towering loads of hay or bundles the health and trophy quality of other training program and businesses such as of sticks for firewood, or groups of game species. guesthouses, horseback riding and peasants to work the fields. Cows, horses, mountain-bike rentals have been goats and sheep are still herded through Like elsewhere, wolves in Romania help established. While a small beginning, the the main streets of villages and towns, maintain the diverse composition and local revenue generated by tourists frustrating the drivers of cars rushing to dynamics of the ecosystem. But also like attracted to the region's natural heritage – meet their appointments in the hectic pace elsewhere the long-term prospects for and especially the elusive large carnivores of the "new economy," which is just large predators depend on human values. – already exceeds the costs of depredation beginning to challenge the ancient Viable wolf range in Romania is essentially and livestock protection. Consequently, rhythms. saturated. Around 30 percent of wolf local attitudes toward wolves have turned mortality is caused by intra-specific strife, more positive. However, as long as people But whether marching to old rhythms or about 300 wolves a year are legally shot bearing the costs aren't always the ones new, it is the attitudes formed over (the total hunting/lethal-control quota for realising benefits, controversy will remain centuries of coexistence and conflict with 2009–10 was 466), an unknown number about the merits of this equation. livestock that still dominate the feelings poached, and there have been proposals about wolves in Romania. Wolves and to allow landowners to kill wolves The case of the real Transylvanian wolves, bears take about 1.2 percent of the five regardless of whether they are actively as opposed to those so horrifically million sheep that graze the mountain depredating on domestic animals. depicted in mythic images, demonstrates pastures during late spring and summer. Nevertheless, while there has been a an ancient, yet evolving, coexistence This loss is a significant burden to people modest decline recently (probably due to between people and wolves even under so dependent on livestock (compensation increases in livestock and poaching of wild difficult economic circumstances rife with is not provided). Antipathy towards wolves ungulates), the wolf population has been potential conflict. While the presence of results, but a campaign to eradicate every relatively stable over the past dozen years, wolves in Romania presents challenges, last wolf never occurred in Romania. and it is the destruction of suitable habitat economic benefits are being realised and Wolves that attack livestock may be legally that is the greatest threat now facing conflicts resolved through increased killed if evidence is provided, and some are wolves in Romania. understanding of wolf behaviour and illegally shot, snared or poisoned. awareness of the needs of the people who However, the primary defence against For such a densely populated country, the share the remarkable landscape. predators is the use of large, aggressive amount of undeveloped land is shepherd dogs. Portable electric fences remarkable. People primarily dwell in © 2010 Alan E. Sparks. Previously printed have also been shown to be very effective, cities, towns and villages, and suburban by IWC/International Wolf Magazine. although they are beyond the means of sprawl is rare. The forests, however, are most shepherds. permeated by access roads for logging, Alan E. Sparks has lived and travelled hunting and livestock, and many wolves extensively in Central and Eastern Europe, While wolves will prey on vulnerable live close to humans. In the late 1990s a writing, teaching English, and working on livestock, and occasionally on dogs and radio-collared wolf ranging the forests wildlife research and ecotourism projects; small animals such as hares and rodents, adjacent to the large city of Brasov was he is the author of Dreaming of Wolves: the primary diet of most wolves most of discovered routinely entering the city at Adventures in the Carpathian Mountains of the time in Romania consists of the three night with her pack to raid a trash dump Transylvania.

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 21 wolves of the world news from around the world

Controversial Swedish wolf hunt ends – one escapes

nibbles weden's controversial wolf stock has grown over the past n Trapping ban review hunt, which has sparked three decades and sheep and The state Game Commission is Swidespread criticism from reindeer have increasingly come reviewing a temporary ban on environmentalists and legal action under attack. The Swedish trapping in parts of southwestern New from the European Commission, parliament decided in 2009 to keep Mexico where Mexican grey wolves ended with hunters failing to cull wolf numbers at 210 animals, have been reintroduced. The trapping one of the 20 animals in the quota. spread out in 20 packs, with 20 ban on public lands was ordered in "The hunt is now over in all regions," new pups per year. 2010 by then Gov. Bill Richardson Anneli Nivren of the Swedish while researchers study what risk Environmental Protection Agency In January, the European traps and snares pose to wolves. The told AFP, adding one wolf had Commission launched legal action commission also is to hear an update escaped the hunters. This year's against Sweden for allowing the on rules governing the allocation of hunt started on January 15th and hunt of a protected species. It antelope-hunting permits to private ended February 15th, during which decided to open a formal landowners in New Mexico. time hunters were permitted to infringement procedure, which http://tiny.cc/8nl0j shoot 20 wolves across six regions. could lead to a case before the n Citizens' group asks Fish and Game to European Court of Justice, which hold off on wolf removal program But by an hour after sundown can impose hefty fines on EU states A citizens' volunteer group in when the hunting season ended, that violate the bloc's rules. Anchorage wants the state only 19 animals had been culled. According to the Commission, Department of Fish and Game to hold "It's too bad. We would have have some 6,700 hunters took part in off on culling wolves that roam a gladly taken it," the head of the this year's hunt. The hunt is also popular state park. Gary Gustafson, hunters' association in the central controversial in Sweden. Earlier Chair of the Advisory board, says that Swedish region of Vaestmanland this month, protestors marched the public has had little or no notice of told the TT news agency late through central Stockholm carrying a draft plan to eliminate all wolves in Tuesday. Sweden argues the hunt, 20 coffins to symbolise the number the area. Gustafson says that the Ship which was reopened last year after of wolves in this year's hunting Creek wolf pack is a separate pack a 46-year hiatus, allows it to quota, and nearly 8,000 people from one that roams near Joint Base strengthen the gene pool of its sent letters to Brussels to protest Elmendorf, Richardson, that has largely inbred wolf population, the hunt through a Swedish recently been blamed for attacks on dogs and threats to humans. Burch insisting it will import wolves from environmental group's website. said officials will continue to monitor Finland and Russia to replace the the situation, and that researchers will killed animals. http://tiny.cc/dlekx study tissue and bone samples from the wolves to determine their dietary The hunt also enjoys support in habits. http://tiny.cc/lwjzx rural Sweden, where the small wolf

22 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Thermal imagery sheds light on wolf disease

sychedelically colored wolves depicted by thermal imaging will Pshed light on how mange affects the survival, reproduction and social behavior of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. About a quarter of the wolf packs in the park are afflicted with sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious stages of infection," said Cross. "A great canine skin disease caused by mites that side benefit is that this is a noninvasive burrow into the skin causing infections, way to study the disease and its effects. © Jimmy Jones Photography hair loss, severe irritation and an We don't have to capture wild wolves to insatiable desire to scratch. do this." The researchers tested and uploaded to computers weekly for Cross perfected the thermal imagery process and his colleagues to examine. Though The resulting hair loss and depressed with the help of resident wolves at the remote thermal imaging has been used vigor of the wolves leaves them Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. to diagnose veterinary diseases, Cross vulnerable to hypothermia, malnutrition Biologists shaved off small patches of fur believes this is the first time it has been and dehydration, which can eventually from several wolves to emulate hair loss used to study the effects of a disease in a lead to death, said Paul Cross, a US from mange, and then assessed the wildlife species. Sarcoptic mange was Geological Survey disease ecologist, who amount of heat loss that would occur in introduced into the Northern Rockies in leads the project along with Doug Smith the later stages of mange infection. They 1909 by state wildlife veterinarians in an of Yellowstone National Park. To help also compared this with normal hair- attempt to help eradicate local wolf and understand the role of mange in the lives covered areas and recorded still and coyote populations. Scientists believe of gray wolves, as well as why some video thermal images. the troublesome mite that causes the wolves recover and others don't, Cross, disease persisted among coyotes and along with wolf biologists from the The resulting images (see example foxes after wolves were exterminated. National Park Service, need to below), admits Cross, are unusual and Since their reintroduction into the understand the costs and extent of captivating. But they also reveal red- Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in 1995- infection. Remote cameras will help the colored "hot spots" that give off more 96, wolves appeared to be free of mange team determine the extent of the heat, meaning the afflicted wolf has to until 2002. infection across packs in Yellowstone get the energy lost through heat by National Park, and how it changes from eating more calories. To see them visit: The research is being conducted by the one year to the next. http://tiny.cc/2cclq. USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center in collaboration with the National "Thermal imagery of wolves allows us to Scientists began using the thermal Park Service, Yellowstone National Park not only document the extent of hair imagery on wild wolves in February. and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery loss caused by mange, but also to Remotely triggered thermal-imagery Center in West Yellowstone, Mont. determine the actual loss of heat, and cameras are set at locations that wolves energy, associated with the different frequent and the resulting images http://tiny.cc/6xej0

Left: The sun begins to warm the wolves in this thermal image of captive wolves at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. USGS scientists are examining thermal imagery of wolves as one step in assessing impacts of sarcoptic mange on the survival, reproduction and social behavior of this species in Yellowstone National Park. All research animals are handled by following the specific requirements of USGS Animal Care and Use policies.

© US Geological Society

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 23 New African wolf discovered

Scientists studying genetic evidence Specialist Group, have discovered a new species of wolf who has worked in living in Africa. Ethiopia for more than two decades, Researchers have proved that the said: 'This discovery mysterious animal, known as the contributes to our 'Egyptian jackal' and often confused understanding of with the golden jackal, is not a sub- the biogeography species of jackal but a grey wolf. The of Afroalpine fauna, discovery, by a team from Oxford an assemblage of University's Wildlife Conservation species with African Wolf in Danakil depression, Eritrea, from video by Jugal Tiwar Research Unit (WildCRU), the University and Eurasian of Oslo, and Addis Ababa University, ancestry which evolved in the relative Professor Afework Bekele at Addis Ababa shows that grey wolves reached Africa isolation of the highlands of the Horn of University added: 'This shows how around three million years ago before Africa. Rare Ethiopian wolves are genetic techniques may expose hidden spreading throughout the northern themselves a recent immigrant to Africa, biodiversity in a relatively unexplored hemisphere. The new wolf is a relative and split-off from the grey wolf complex country like Ethiopia.' Golden jackals are of the Holarctic grey wolf, the Indian even earlier than the newly discovered regarded by the International Union for wolf and the Himalayan wolf. Professor African wolf.' Dr Eli Rueness of the Conservation of Nature as not threatened David Macdonald, an author of the University of Oslo, the first author of the – a "species of least concern" – but the paper and Director of Oxford paper, said: 'We could hardly believe newly discovered African wolf may be University's WildCRU, said: 'A wolf in our own eyes when we found wolf DNA much rarer. The team believes it is a Africa is not only important that did not match anything in priority for both conservation and science conservation news, but raises GenBank.' Professor Nils Chr. Stenseth, to discover its whereabouts and numbers. fascinating biological questions about an author of the paper and the Chair of how the new African wolf evolved and the Centre for Ecological and Professor Sillero said: 'It seems as if the lived alongside not only the real golden Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES) said: 'this Egyptian jackal is urgently set for a name- jackals but also the vanishing rare study shows the strengths of modern change, and its unique status as the only Ethiopian wolf, which is a very different genetic techniques: old puzzles may be member of the grey wolf complex in species with which the new discovery solved.' The team also found genetically Africa suggests that it should be re- should not be confused.' very similar specimens to this new wolf named 'the African wolf'.' in the highlands of Ethiopia, 2,500 km Professor Claudio Sillero, also of the from Egypt, suggesting that the new http://tiny.cc/gqt2c WildCRU and Chair of the IUCN's Canid species is not just found in Egypt.

One wolf responsible for more than half of Isle Royale pack’s genes

ore than half the wolf genes wolf feces collected for 12 years and offspring with 22 grand-pups and on Lake Superior's Isle Royale found DNA genetic tracers not found in counting. Scientists say 56 percent of all Mcan be traced to one wolf - previous wolves. From that they wolf genes on the island trace back to known to researchers as the Old Gray concluded that a lone male wolf came to the one male. "His crossing came just as Guy - that crossed the ice to the island the island in 1997 over ice from Ontario. the moose population crashed and the in 1997. That's one of the findings of "Before this discovery, the Isle Royale wolves had less food, but the wolves still scientists who used new genetic testing wolf population had been considered had a little population increase" as part of their annual study of wolves completely isolated since it was founded Vucetich said, "so there may have been and moose on the Michigan-owned in the late 1940s," said John Vucetich, some benefit from his presence that we island off Minnesota's north shore. It's lead researcher in the island's long- can't see just counting their numbers. the first confirmed influx of new wolf running predator-prey study. "We've But we do know that his fitness and his blood into the island's wolf population been stockpiling scat for 12 years and health were so much better than other since wolves first came to the island finally got enough money to analyze it." Isle Royale male wolves, we know he about 60 years ago. And so far, there's became a dominant factor in the proof of only the one new wolf. The Old Gray Guy was bigger than population." The researchers from Michigan others on the island and quickly became Technological University, along with the alpha male of one pack. He died in http://tiny.cc/k0msd others from Arizona State, examined 2006, but not before fathering 34

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ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 25 Makingwolves in the media Tracks and the arts

defined it. Instead, in neat, precisely WOLFER detailed and logical prose that lacks A Memoir sentiment or excuse, we first meet a young boy who began by trapping By Carter Niemeyer gophers and selling their feet for profit in Iowa. He adores his father and wants Paperback, 374pp, 21.6 x 14cm, RRP £14.45 ultimately to please him, make him ISBN 978-0615409481 proud. Throughout the chronicle of this life, we are given insights into the nature ‘If I put it off any longer, I'd be killing a of trapping and killing animals. Stinky Niemeyer's interest in animals extended den full of puppies, with bare hands or bait. Stinky carcasses. Giving a sick to the academic – over the years he indirectly by starvation if their parents porcupine (alliteratively and lovingly- attained a bachelor's and master's were dead.’ named Pucker P Pine) an enema. If it degree from Iowa State University. This came with an olfactory scratchcard, is reflected well in the book – he has This visceral account confronts the reading it would be unbearable. been keeping professional diaries since reader on page four of Wolfer. They are 1973 and therefore writes with intricate blunt words, but honestly stated. It Niemeyer was always a care. Initially such qualifications would refers to a family of boy who wanted to make the ranchers he visited suspicious controversial wolves learn about animals, and hostile. He had to prove that he was called the Whitehawk not simply kill them. truly one of them, or at least that he Pack, who in 2002 were He observed early on understood their lives. But one biting thought to have killed two that no two animals observation he made is truly relevant to calves and a sheep on the look the same, that to the ongoing conflict between farmers Baker family ranch. know their habits was and large predators: to be one step ahead. Alabaster, the snowy Attention to detail ‘If things got bad, they just call Uncle matriarch of the would almost be his Sam. It's still how things work.’ Whitehawk Pack, begins mantra. Older, he and ends Wolfer in a tragic would work with the When Carter finally began working as and appropriately circular biologist Dick Bishop, wolf specialist, trapper and district way. To most of us who are putting up nest supervisor for ADC in Montana, he did passionate about the boxes, doing his own indeed encounter the problems of a species, reading about their research. That compensation culture among ranchers. fate will cause some research would Previous trappers had been keen to emotional pain. Even anger. Many of us include a rabies study of raccoons. Later maybe kick a dead animal with their foot already know the outcome. still he would make a fine profit skinning and say 'Yep… looks like a wolf did it.' foxes and coyotes. He is clearly a That was if they actually got out of the But this is the reality of what happened, complex individual, an uncommon truck at all. Then the box for killed by a what is happening still as man and wolf person as he has once been described. wolf or probably killed by a wolf could be thrash out their differences. Wolves will Or in his own words, from a recent ticked and the farmer receive his die and they are dying as we read this. interview: government payment. It was the system All of us with lupine interests should – a corrupt system with much collusion read Wolfer, to understand the ‘I've been a predator specialist all my life, from both sides. After all, this is a book complexity of that troubled relationship. and I've worked with eagles, bears, lions, as much about the wily power and In the words of Nicholas Evans, author of wolves. I enjoy all of them. I enjoy coyotes. territorial greed of the human race as it The Horse Whisperer, Niemeyer ‘stands I've hunted coyotes, but I've spent many is about animals. between warring groups, the furious more hours just watching them and ranchers and outraged environmentalists, enjoying them.’ Niemeyer, in a career of nearly three mediating, doing what he has to do, often decades, brought a level of science and with a heavy heart.’ The young boy proudly swinging a bag of reason to his industry. Such methods did gopher feet evolves into a man working not always make him popular. There It does help enormously that the book is for United States Department of was, as he saw it, a haphazard attitude well written, colourful and spiced with Agriculture's Animal Damage Control toward predator control. A 'just kill' humour. He makes us curious at each (ADC). Eventually, he is employed as a mentality. He felt that it was pointless to turn to see what happens. It also lacks professional wolf trapper and, if it is kill indiscriminately in the hope that the the machismo that could have so easily required, a wolf killer. problem would eventually go away.

26 UKWCT WOLF PRINT In the wild landscape of Wolfer , emotive darting from a helicopter, which causes clients. It is here that his experience of language like 'varmints' and 'critters' less damage. skinning animals often played a vital role scatter people's vocabulary and is used in giving an open and visual 'whodunnit.' to cuss unwanted wildlife. Professional Wolfer does indeed serve as an Once the hide was removed from a calf farmers object to certain animals interesting historical account of early or sheep, it was easier to ascertain if encroaching onto their land, despoiling trapping methods, which had generally there were talons or teeth involved or, in their businesses. Worst of all has always adopted a poorly-organised approach to the case of many, it had been a natural been the larger carnivores such as animal control. Incompetence even death. Too often the wolf was blamed wolves and bears, the former demonised extended to large mistakes being made, and Niemeyer had to argue the case in legend and life for centuries as an evil such as the radio collaring of a dog. In against. Large predators, as most skulking beast. This is the land of particular, the number and nature of conservationists know, leave distinct excitable fireside story telling, where poisons used is one highly disturbing signatures on a carcass. Anti-wolf creatures can have reputations and element. For example, in our modern hysteria often made people therefore names. Like the ultimate and conservation-minded times, putting unreasonable and it was Niemeyer's fishermen's tales, their crimes are often out poisoned horsemeat for coyotes responsibility to be calm, truthful and magnified to mythical proportions. There seems to lack intelligence or accurate. is Theodore for example, the huge dog- compassion. Anything feeding from the killing raccoon: carcass would suffer an agonising death ‘Keep an open mind and look for signs of and toxic chemicals released unchecked predation like trauma, haemorrhage and ‘Its feet were the size of a child's… it in the eco-system. Thankfully, poisons bite wounds.’ killed nearly every dog that went after it.’ such as strychnine were banned in 1973. A more methodical approach The most pertinent section of the book – was evidently required and to we wolf conservationists in particular Niemeyer tried more of a – covers the time Niemeyer was precise approach – although instrumental in advising on the sometimes the unpredictability reintroduction of the wolf from Canada of all things wild forced him to to Yellowstone in 1994. He was act on the spot, in responsible for capturing the wolves that unconventional ways. would populate the park. We learn about the strength of those advocating It is always important to try and for the wolf at the time, the way the see other points of view when media manipulated events: reading Wolfer, even if it may upset our sensibilities. For ‘…stories of blood-thirsty, lone predators example, the majestic golden wandering from ranch to ranch, killing eagle was generally not everything… they (the newspapers) wrote regarded for its aesthetics by about it for weeks, stirring people up and many of the Montana farmers stoking bitter divisions between ranchers who were reportedly losing and pro-wolf groups.’ lambs to the species. Initially, the birds were trapped, tagged I will be honest: I found this book and relocated, but this was found to be difficult at times. It made me cry and at But of course there are animals that are quite impractical, as well as injuring a times I had to walk away from it. But I truly killing and have to be dealt with number of the caught birds. Carter came was angry with the situations, not with swiftly, such as the Phantom Bear – a up with an ingenious solution, which I the man. Ultimately, it made me more radio-collared sheep-guzzling grizzly who will not reveal. But it does demonstrate passionate about canis lupus and aware was elusive and clever. The policy was that sometimes deterrent can be as that to some, wolf will always be a four- generally to relocate, not kill – but there effective as killing or relocating. letter word. In the words of Niemeyer: were times when there appeared to be no other solution. 'When we ran out of places to move them, we killed them. It was that simple. And Niemeyer observes repeatedly that it's still that way.' when superstition, hysteria and hatred combine, the reality of crisp, logical As a historical account it is a strong science is rarely welcomed. But he book, an important book. One that continues with his reasonable approach, deserves our time. It will make you think keeping to a routine that works for him and elicit the strongest of emotions. or adapting when it is needed: Probably, it will make you love and want to protect the wolf just that much '….some of the best trapping was at deeper. sunrise..' (in relation to eagles) The politics and pitfalls of being in Julia Bohanna, 2011 Or when badly-designed traps are clearly Animal Damage Control are evident from injuring the wolves, Niemeyer adapts to the documented visits to his rancher Wolfer is available from www.ukwolf.org

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 27 Animal

Julia Bohanna interviews animal sculptor Sally Matthews

Sally Matthews studied at cultivated my eye for detail and scale, as fine armature lines right. They are like a well as my interest in each individual drawing in space that inspires the muscle Loughborough College from 1981 animal as a sentient being. and character of the animal. to 1982, following this with a degree course in the Department Do you first visit the site where the work How collaborative is your work? Is it left of Sculpture (1983 to 1986), from is intended to be displayed? entirely to you for interpretation? If the Usually when I begin a project, the first latter, was this something that was built which she graduated with first- thing I do is visit the site or gallery. It is up as your reputation and experience class honours. Sally has used both very important for me that the sculpture developed? domestic and wild animals works with the place. Visiting the Vestfold I tend only to take on commissions that forest in Fossnes, Norway, I found an allow me to choose the subject. However, throughout her work. amazing place on the path leading to the in the case of the donkeys for Weston highest view point – an outcrop of rocks Super Mare and the wolves for Norway – 'I always love drawing wolves but where I could imagine wolves would the commissioners had chosen the subject in a way dread it too as they have gather. While I was there I worked out and and it was appropriate for my work. It is a knowing look and I feel I am measured the footprint of each wolf on the mainly the site that dictates the animal, craggy rocks, so I could make them to fit how many and what the materials are that intruding and stealing something the lie of the land. are used. There are times, such as from them by looking at them and residencies, where the importance of the using their image.' How do you begin a project? Studies, project is having the artist work within a photographs, sketches or preliminary place for a certain length of time, when I What influence did animals play in your models? can make sculptures in the landscape with early life? Did you have a passion or When I start work on a project I do masses ephemeral materials – as with the wolves obsession for any one animal? of sketches from life until I understand the at Arte Sella. During the 'Gathering' My father was a vet and growing up we animal in my head. I can then make the project, documenting hill farming in always had animals around us. My mum sculpture mainly without reference, Northumberland with photographer Kate and dad bred Welsh mountain ponies and though I do look back at sketches or Bellis, I was able to make a cow of cow other animals, so family holidays consisted photographs if I am unsure of something. muck and some sheep with the hill grass, of shows and sales in Wales and visits to In a strange way this allows the sculpture peat and thistledown. The exhibition of the hill pony herds such as the Revel and to make itself. If the metal armature has an the project toured in city galleries – so the Epynt. It was their constant discussion interesting turn of the neck I will leave it some of the smells and texture of the about the conformation, eye setting and rather than force it into a pre-prescribed environment were with the animal movement etc. of a particular animal that position. It is very important to get the first sculptures.

28 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Do you mostly fabricate or cast? Can you To me – and it is solely my interpretation or is our ruthless persecution of them and explain briefly how your specific method – there seems to be a melancholy to the our inability and unwillingness to live works? Norwegian models. Was this intended? alongside them what we should be I mainly fabricate my work as casting is Did the persecution of the wolf as a frightened of? expensive. I always start a sculpture with a species affect you? steel armature and then build up with Rarely are my animal sculptures full of Were there any particular logistical chicken wire, stuffing it with hay to get an movement and energy. I prefer to depict problems with crafting the wolves? idea of the shapes I am making. I then add the quieter moments when the animals are The rocks that the wolves stand on are found natural objects like roots and stone going about their lives without us. When I incredibly hard and it took me (and some to define important parts such as the make a sculpture of an animal I try not to kind help) ages to drill the holes for the shoulder blade, hip bone and feet. I then place any human thoughts within it. I pegs to go into. add the surface with materials such as would rather celebrate its otherness and peat, cow muck or sheep's wool. When I let people be moved by that to think of How long did they take? am making something that is to be cast I their own relationship with the animal. I should keep a diary as people always ask usually work in plaster as it is strong and I me this. I work in quite short bursts of can add grasses for texture. Plaster is quick There have been some problems in the energy over a fairly long time. I usually put to dry and has a momentum of its own past with wolves and hunting in aside a month for each animal. However, when you lay it on the sculpture. When I Scandinavia – we have documented them with the casting a lot of the work is done at work in steel I just start with the same sort fully over the years in Wolf Print. Did you the foundry after I have finished. I think of armature and just build up with pieces encounter any hostility and negativity they were three months at the foundry. of metal. during the project? I didn't encounter any hostility during the You have done a wide range of animals. The bronze wolves are astonishing. How project. The commissioners and I were Are there other species you wish to did you come to choose the materials for aware of this aspect. The commissioners attempt? the wolf? How did you research the were determined to have wolves along the I like doing animals that I know and that anatomy, the character of the animal? path 'the southernmost wolves in Norway' are part of my life and then there are The commissioning group in Norway lead and were prepared to answer any hostility animals like wolves that lure you in by Grethe Mayer Iversen wanted the or negativity. There hasn't been any because of their spirit. I tend to let life pull wolves to be bronze. I think this was for controversy over them that I know of – I me along and I have had some amazing longevity and they had also seen some suppose people like the idea of wolves as a opportunities. bronze wolves of mine at the Cass myth or abstract being – my wolves pose Foundation. The commissioners got no threat. I had hoped that my 'abstract' Out of all the animals you have made, is together and were inspired by their love of wolves would bite people's conscience. there one to which you formed a special the Vestfold forest. The community raised bond? money to commission Wild boar and wolves have twelve sculptures along a always been a part of my work path laid out by landscape among other animals that have architect Rainer Strange. inspired me, and the animals They called the project Sti that are around me every day. for Oye. I made the wolves When I see a certain sheep in a with plaster incorporating field of sheep – it's not that it's pieces of wood and pine the best looking or the most needles, etc. that would be interesting looking – it just has in their natural something about it that says surroundings. The wolves draw me. Maybe it's a stray bit were cast at Castle Fine of wool hanging or the placing Arts in Wales and the of its feet or its defiant look. I casting is so fine that you recently asked a farmer if I can see some of the details could draw and photograph a of the pine needles. I chose particular Welsh Ram in his the patina colouring of the flock – 'oh that one' was his wolves to make the work reply, 'don't go in the field less like a bronze and more without me.' delicate and ephemeral looking. I have made wolves before in What were you trying to convey with the Do you dream sculpture? Grizedale forest and at Arte Sella in Italy. wolves? I don't dream sculpture but sometimes They are a mysterious and guilt-provoking I hope these bronze wolves will make the when I close my eyes and I have been animal. I have drawn and measured them viewer's heart leap instinctively as an working intently on an animal, I see it. at Wolf Watch UK, at Wuppertal Zoo in encounter with a real wolf would: to Germany and in Bialowieza, Poland – while remind people that this is not just our land; Thank you, Sally. making some European Bison. I always love that we share it with wild and independent drawing wolves but in a way dread it too as animals. Seeing such amazing animals that Sally's website can be found at they have a knowing look and I feel I am are glimpses of a past when we weren't so www.sallymatthews.co.uk/text.htm intruding and stealing something from totally in control is a truly humbling them by looking at them and using their experience. They are our evolutionary image. companions. Are they the more frightening

ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2011 29 Aimee Topham

Aimee is a first year student studying Creative Writing at the University of Winchester. This piece was written for a competition held at the university, where all entrants were inspired by their Creativity Visit to the Trust in Beenham, November 2010. 'Hunter' was the winning piece.

Runners up were Robyn Brasier (A Wolf Story) and Kane Holborn (Nock Wolf).

Judges were students on module group CW1106.

TOP. Freeze this moment in time. exuded by this creature of such majesty, grasp onto your hair and settle there in Frame it in your head like a such grace and quiet assurance. quiet contentment. A whisper amongst Sphotograph, to be forever Remember the connection you feel. the trees on the slope reminds you that cherished. Remember the snow, that Remember the sense of kinship. you are alone. This calm wolf, with his white blanket of icy feathers that clings Remember the loneliness, the pride, and bright yellow eyes, is the only living to your eyelashes and hair. Remember the sense of being persecuted for an old creature around. The wind brushes the light, the sun trapped behind prejudice. You are the same. You are blusher on your cheeks, staining them muscles of grey cloud and yet still hunters, trying to make sense of a red. The prospect of shelter is bleak; the bravely trying to illuminate the ground changing world, and fighting for a way to trees are sparse and young, and there upon which we slip and slide. Remember survive. The wolf blinks. You understand. are only fields. Grey-white, deep red and the wind, that biting, pinching, lashing He is acknowledging you as a brother, brown; you long to bury your frozen aggressor, attempting to wear you down one faced by the same trials as he. He hands deep into the wolf's glorious fur into submission. It shrieks at you; it will not harm you; you can see that he coat and curl up against the warm body screams that you don't belong here. 'You has recently killed. A faint trace of blood to sleep. You wonder if this wolf has a are not strong enough to take on the on the muzzle: red stained ice flakes mate, or cubs, to whom such a privilege forces of nature and emerge unscathed!' cling gently to the ends of his fur. He belongs. Wolves are sociable creatures, The gale whistles and whips your does not notice. He does not care. He you remember, so it is unlikely that he is huddled-into coat, buffeting against your stares still. alone. The crunch of snow under gentle body. You do not move, despite the Patient, silently observing, the wolf paws applauds your suspicion. The wolf assault. Your eyes are locked on the waits. breaks away from your gaze and turns to figure at the top of the slope. Their eyes Forever is a long time. You are willing to look behind him at his mate. A parting – each a small bead of fire – burn into wait too. glance sends sorrow, empathy and your own, holding you prisoner while The snowflakes begin to fall again, only courage to you, as your body fills with they search your soul. Neither of you to be gently whisked away in a waltz the warmth of his gaze. You are left blink. You are awed by the power with the wind. As they pass you, they alone, hunter.

30 UKWCT WOLF PRINT Forthcoming events at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Wolf Awareness Week is a time to dispel those misconceptions about wolves and Saturday 15th to teach the important role that these predators play in maintaining healthy eco- Predator-to-Pet Workshop systems. Planning has started in earnest at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust with (more details on p32) many different activities already in the programme:

Thursday 20th Sunday 16th – The UKWCT Seminar Open Day We are delighted to announce that the first We are open for you to pop in and confirmed speaker is Carter Niemeyer, have a look around, so why not author of the award-winning book ‘Wolfer’. come and see us and take the Read a review of ‘Wolfer’ on page 26. opportunity to snap some photos of our wolves?

Monday 17th – Student Seminar Thursday 20th We are hosting our first Student Seminar Pastel Workshop with Jane Absolom for both college and university students Willow Workshop with Caroline Gregson hoping to learn a bit more about wolves and conservation.

Friday 21st – Howl and Hoot Night Schools Day Wednesday 19th – Join us for a talk on wolf communication, This is an opportunity for our local a howl with the wolves and meet some of schools to pop down to the Trust and our feathered friends. see the wolves. We will also have Caroline Gregson, willow sculptor, coming to create a companion to ‘Willow’, our wolf she created last year. FULL BOOKING DETAILS AND COSTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR THROUGH THE OFFICE FROM AUGUST.

Thursday, 28th July and Wednesday 10th August Children's 11am-1pm Wolf Take a walk with the UKWCT wolves. This event includes a short talk and tour of the centre. Walks £13 per person, 6 years + Booking essential; limited parent spaces. Children’s Wolfy Picnics Wednesday 3rd August and Wednesday 24th August, 11am-1pm Take a walk with the wolves then spend the afternoon making some special treats for the wolves. £15 per person, 6 years + Booking essential; limited parent spaces

Children's Wolf Keeper Days Thursday 4th August and Wednesday 17th August, 10am-3pm Ÿ Come dressed to get mucky and see what the wolves and their keepers get up to during the day. Ÿ Take over the job of the Wolf Keeper looking after the wolves. Don't be fooled - it's hard work but lots of fun. Ÿ Spaces are limited to make the day really special, so please book early. £30 per person. 10 years +

Further details at www.ukwolf.org or to book call 0118 971 3330 Forthcoming events at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust UKWCT Wolf Centre Open Days Bank Holiday Monday 29th August and World Animal Day, Sunday 2nd October, both from 11am to 5pm Ÿ Look around the Trust Ÿ Watch the cubs playing Ÿ Photography sessions from the platform Ÿ Ask the experts about living with wolves Ÿ Listen to the wolves howling Ÿ Other animal exhibits Ÿ Children's activities inc. face-painting Ÿ Nature trail Ÿ Pond dipping Ÿ Birds of prey flying demonstration Ÿ Bouncy castle Ÿ Hug a husky Ÿ Refreshments Ÿ Picnic tables available Ÿ Booking not required Sorry: no dogs on site WOLF CENTRE OPEN DAY WORLD ANIMAL DAY Sunday 2nd October – including additional exhibits and activities (see website) Monday 29th August Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children up to age 12) – Advanced: £18, On the day: £25. Adults and non-members: £7 Adult ticket – Advanced: £8, On the day: £10. Members, children (3-11), senior citizens: £5 Member, child (3-11) or senior citizen ticket – Advanced: £3, On the day: £5. Child under 3 – FREE. Predator to Pet Workshops Saturdays 2nd July and 15th October at 10am Join us for an exciting and fast-moving workshop developed in association A walk with an with Wolf Park of Indiana. You will: ambassador wolf is included, allowing you to Ÿ examine the genetic evidence of the relationship between dogs and wolves see first-hand the wild Ÿ look at domestication vs socialisation ancestor of today's dogs. Ÿ learn about the taxonomy of canids You'll also receive a gift Ÿ walk with ambassador wolves, seeing firsthand the ancestor of today's as a memento of the day. dogs Ÿ receive a gift as a memento of the day £50 per person This hands-on workshop will chart the domestication of dogs from their wild - places limited - roots to the present day... and much more besides. booking essential

Friday 15th July at 7.00pm Night 23rd September & 18th November at 6.30pm Thursdays 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September – 10am to 4pm. is If you've ever dreamed of standing near a wolf and hearing it howl, this is a once in If you - or someone you know - is a wolf lover, then this is a a lifetime opportunity to feel your unique experience: during the day you will see behind the scenes backbone tingle and your ears vibrate at the Wolf Trust and shadow the keeper in tasks such as Night! with the sound. The evening will start cleaning out the wolf enclosures, preparing and giving with a presentation on wolf medication and get involved in our wolf enrichment programme. communication; you will then go on There is a maximum of 6 people on the day. a tour of the centre and have the opportunity to let out a howl and see if the wolves respond! You All participants will also have a walk with a wolf, meet the cubs will also see them feeding. and receive a souvenir certificate at the end of the day.

Please bring your own packed lunch. Tea, coffee & squash Night is the best time to see the available. wolves as they are at their most active.

£100 per person, age 16 or over. Booking Essential. (Don't forget to dress up warmly for an evening under the stars). You are advised to have an up-to-date tetanus immunisation. Cost £10 per person - Booking required Further details at www.ukwolf.org or to book call 0118 971 3330