WOLFThe UK Wolf Conservation Trust PRINTIssue 64 | Summer 2018
Goodnight Of Mines A New Sweet Print and Men Royale Family Our last issue, as The wolf in Will wolves be reintroduced the Trust bids farewell the Middle East on Isle Royale?
NEWS ■ EVENTS ■ RESEARCH ■ MEDIA AND ARTS
01 Wolf Print Cover for print.indd 1 01/08/2018 10:12am Issue 64 | Summer 2018
Cover image: Mai by Francesca Macilroy Published by The UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT. Tel: 0118 971 3330, email: [email protected], Editor’s Letter Julia and Nuka website: www.ukwct.org
Editor Julia Bohanna. Tel: 0118 971 3330 Email: [email protected] he end of anything, the diffi cult appropriately played with a theme of and emotional process of saying sound, song and communication. We Assistant Editor Francesca Macilroy Tgoodbye, is always a bittersweet also have a fascinating article from Editorial Team process. So it is, as the Trust closes the Middle East, a report from the Wendy Brooker, Mike Collins, Nikki Davies, Sue Fine, to the public, with our last issue of dedicated researchers in Croatia and Pete Haswell, Jessica Jacobs, Cammie Kavanagh, Lynn Wolf Print. The magazine has evolved an interview with Song of The Wolf in Kent, Pete Morgan-Lucas, Rachel Mortimer, Lara Palmer, Johnny Palmer, Tsa Palmer, Denise Taylor alongside the organisation, but also Colorado. Appropriately too, one of
Patrons followed the fortunes of the wolf our book reviews is called The Rise of Martin ‘Wolfi e’ Adams, David Clement-Davies, worldwide, profi led projects we have Wolves. We do indeed hope the species Cornelia ‘Neil’ Hutt, Desmond Morris, Marco Musiani, supported and generally been a feisty will go onwards and ever upwards, Michelle Paver voice for Canis lupus. epitomising wildness and wilderness The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Directors Nigel Bulmer, Charles Hicks, Sue Hull, Tsa Palmer forever. Associate Directors Over the last decade Lara Palmer, Johnny Palmer In true weepy Oscar style, I would like to thank the wonderful Tsa Palmer and Specialist Advisors and almost two in which Alistair Bath, Garry Marvin, Kirsty Peake, Claudio family at the Trust for giving me my Sillero, Denise Taylor I have been involved various roles. Being editor of Wolf Print The UK Wolf Conservation Trust is a company with the Trust, I have has been the best job in the world and I limited by guarantee. Registered in England and want to fi nd an equally meaningful role Wales. Company No. 3686061. seen a shift in perception in the near future. I would also like to The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or The UK Wolf about wild animals and thank my team – Assistant Editor Fran, Conservation Trust. conservation in general, Designer Brandon, Lynn in the Trust All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any offi ce and all the volunteers and staff manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is who put so much love and dedication prohibited. The work may not be photocopied or otherwise but more specifically reproduced within the terms of any licence granted by the into helping with the production of Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd or the Publishers Licensing the wolf.” Society Ltd. Wolf Print. It has been a privilege to meet the wolf folk – the experts, artists, This is largely down to education, researchers and writers – who truly give AIMS OF THE UK WOLF CONSERVATION TRUST the sort of information that the Trust me hope for the future. Good luck to staff members have delivered on a our wolfkeeper Mike with his new role · To increase public awareness and knowledge of wild wolves and their place in the ecosystem. regular basis to a hungry audience. at Whipsnade, where he will now be · To provide opportunities for ethological and other There are now committed celebrity working with elephants. Last but by no research that may improve the lives of wolves both in captivity and in the wild. conservationists like Chris Packham means least, I would like to thank the · To provide wolf-related education programmes for and of course, our most beloved David wolf for simply – being. young people and adults. Attenbough, who is a voice of reason, · To raise money to help fund wolf-related conservation projects around the world. compassion and wisdom in an illogical Enjoy the glorious summer. I will world. Rewilding, reintroduction, continue to have lovely lupine Download Wolf Print, including back issues, from www.ukwolf.org ecology and preservation of species memories and to love the wolf are all now familiar terms, even buzz and the Trust with all my heart. Design and artwork by BambooHouse Publishing: www.bamboohouse.co.uk words, for young and old. A very Tel: 01225 331023 good thing. Julia Bohanna, Editor Printed by: Pensord, NP12 2YA, www.pensord.co.uk on FSC paper from sustainable forest sources. In our last communication with you, This magazine is fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you our supportive readers, we have 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 home recycling collection scheme or at your local recycling centre. Visit www.recyclenow. com and enter your postcode to fi nd your nearest site.
02 Editor's Letter for print.indd 1 01/08/2018 10:13am Issue 64 | Summer 2018
Cover image: Mai by Francesca Macilroy Published by The UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT. 8 Tel: 0118 971 3330, email: [email protected], Editor’s Letter Julia and Nuka Contents website: www.ukwct.org
Editor Julia Bohanna. Tel: 0118 971 3330 Email: [email protected] he end of anything, the diffi cult appropriately played with a theme of REGULARS and emotional process of saying sound, song and communication. We Assistant Editor Francesca Macilroy Tgoodbye, is always a bittersweet also have a fascinating article from Editor’s Letter 2 Editorial Team process. So it is, as the Trust closes the Middle East, a report from the Wendy Brooker, Mike Collins, Nikki Davies, Sue Fine, to the public, with our last issue of dedicated researchers in Croatia and Wolves of the World 30 Pete Haswell, Jessica Jacobs, Cammie Kavanagh, Lynn Wolf Print. The magazine has evolved an interview with Song of The Wolf in Lupine news worldwide Kent, Pete Morgan-Lucas, Rachel Mortimer, Lara alongside the organisation, but also Colorado. Appropriately too, one of Palmer, Johnny Palmer, Tsa Palmer, Denise Taylor Making Tracks followed the fortunes of the wolf our book reviews is called The Rise of 36 Patrons Book reviews and interviews Martin ‘Wolfi e’ Adams, David Clement-Davies, worldwide, profi led projects we have Wolves. We do indeed hope the species Cornelia ‘Neil’ Hutt, Desmond Morris, Marco Musiani, supported and generally been a feisty will go onwards and ever upwards, Merchandise Michelle Paver 38 voice for Canis lupus. epitomising wildness and wilderness New and exclusive gifts The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Directors forever. Nigel Bulmer, Charles Hicks, Sue Hull, Tsa Palmer 13 Associate Directors Over the last decade Lara Palmer, Johnny Palmer In true weepy Oscar style, I would like NEWS FROM THE TRUST and almost two in which to thank the wonderful Tsa Palmer and Specialist Advisors Director’s Letter 4 Alistair Bath, Garry Marvin, Kirsty Peake, Claudio family at the Trust for giving me my Sillero, Denise Taylor I have been involved various roles. Being editor of Wolf Print Trust News 6 The UK Wolf Conservation Trust is a company with the Trust, I have has been the best job in the world and I News and events limited by guarantee. Registered in England and want to fi nd an equally meaningful role Wales. Company No. 3686061. seen a shift in perception in the near future. I would also like to Update on the Trust’s Wolves 8 The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or The UK Wolf about wild animals and thank my team – Assistant Editor Fran, Conservation Trust. conservation in general, Designer Brandon, Lynn in the Trust All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any offi ce and all the volunteers and staff FEATURES manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is who put so much love and dedication prohibited. The work may not be photocopied or otherwise but more specifically reproduced within the terms of any licence granted by the into helping with the production of Endangered Means There is Still Time – Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd or the Publishers Licensing the wolf.” America’s Red Wolf 13 Society Ltd. Wolf Print. It has been a privilege to meet the wolf folk – the experts, artists, End of an Era but a Lasting Legacy 16 This is largely down to education, researchers and writers – who truly give 20 AIMS OF THE UK WOLF CONSERVATION TRUST the sort of information that the Trust me hope for the future. Good luck to Report on the Research and Conservation staff members have delivered on a our wolfkeeper Mike with his new role of Large Carnivores in Croatia 20 · To increase public awareness and knowledge of regular basis to a hungry audience. at Whipsnade, where he will now be wild wolves and their place in the ecosystem. Wolves in the Southern Levant: · To provide opportunities for ethological and other There are now committed celebrity working with elephants. Last but by no research that may improve the lives of wolves both Is it safe to get used to humans? 24 in captivity and in the wild. conservationists like Chris Packham means least, I would like to thank the · To provide wolf-related education programmes for and of course, our most beloved David wolf for simply – being. Cross-species Communication 28 young people and adults. Attenbough, who is a voice of reason, · To raise money to help fund wolf-related conservation projects around the world. compassion and wisdom in an illogical Enjoy the glorious summer. I will world. Rewilding, reintroduction, continue to have lovely lupine Download Wolf Print, including back issues, from EVENTS www.ukwolf.org ecology and preservation of species memories and to love the wolf are all now familiar terms, even buzz and the Trust with all my heart. Design and artwork by BambooHouse All the upcoming events and activities 39 Publishing: www.bamboohouse.co.uk words, for young and old. A very Tel: 01225 331023 good thing. Julia Bohanna, Editor Printed by: Pensord, NP12 2YA, www.pensord.co.uk on FSC paper from sustainable forest sources. In our last communication with you, 24 This magazine is fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you our supportive readers, we have 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 home recycling collection scheme or at your local recycling centre. Visit www.recyclenow. com and enter your postcode to fi nd your nearest site. Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 3
02 Editor's Letter for print.indd 1 01/08/2018 10:13am 03 Contents for print.indd 1 01/08/2018 10:14am We have donated a total of £360,000 A Great to support worldwide research, education DIRECTOR’S LETTER and conservation of Journey the wolf.”
Alongside greater knowledge, the publication of international guidelines and increased government and EU funding for large carnivore conservation is now the driving force behind wolf recovery and expansion. Whilst I may not always agree with management methods, and there may be localised backlashes and culls but, as I say, I think the future is bright.
Obviously the USA is another matter, but with the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone in 1995, there has been much positive progress in wolf conservation there too. As you may know it has been decided to reintroduce wolves onto Isle Royale later this year, which is good news.
The needs of our wolves come fi rst every time, as you know – with Torak, Duma and Dakota by Pat Melton Mosi, Mai and Motomo all reaching
years of the UK Wolf Beenham, but any extra donations Conservation Trust is will allow us to continue to give to the 23 drawing to a close at projects we have supported annually. the end of August. Although this is obviously a sad moment for all of In a sense the role of the UK Wolf you who have visited and supported Conservation Trust is not so relevant our work during these years, I do as it was 20 years ago, in terms of believe that the whole project has educating people about wolves. The been a hugely positive one. Positive perception of wolves has changed in respect of animal care and welfare hugely since Roger and I fi rst acquired and the contribution we have been ‘My Lady’ in 1974 – I believe the able to make to wolf conservation. future of wolves in Europe is bright We have donated a total of £360,000 and they are here to stay. The success to support worldwide research, of the council of Europe Action Plan education and conservation of the for the conservation of wolves in wolf. We will continue to donate in Europe, with its intention to produce the future years when we have funds management plans for wolves, as available. We have enough set aside well as the move towards population By Darren Prescott for the care of the wolves here at level conservation is a positive move.
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04-05 Director's Letter for print.indd 4 01/08/2018 10:18am the UK since wolves were extirpated in Britain in 1680. Secondly, giving We have donated a home to Massak, Pukak and Sikko in 2011, the fi rst Arctic wolves to a total of £360,000 have ever been imported in the UK. A Great to support worldwide However beyond this our contribution of an astounding £360,000 to research, education worldwide wolf conservation has to stand out. We have achieved great DIRECTOR’S LETTER and conservation of PR for the wolf and through our work the wolf.” and our ambassador wolves overcome Journey negative perceptions – for a genuinely Euros by Pete Morgan-Lucas misunderstood animal.
We will continue to put regular Alongside greater knowledge, the twilight years of their lives, and the shop, merchandise and all the updates on the wolves on our website the publication of international our other wolves soon to be in their administration during that time. From kindly facilitated by Darren Prescott guidelines and increased government eighth year, it’s time to give them the having the one walk a weekend in the and as I have said would be grateful and EU funding for large carnivore quieter life to which they are entitled. early years we now have fi ve events a for any donations which we can pass conservation is now the driving force What started as one man’s hobby week, sometimes more to satisfy the on to our projects. behind wolf recovery and expansion. in the 1970s, and through Roger’s demand!! Whilst I may not always agree with energy, enthusiasm and passion has Tsa Palmer management methods, and there may allowed thousands of people to come Fran Macilroy has been Lynn’s able be localised backlashes and culls but, and share our fascination and love for assistant in the offi ce and helped as I say, I think the future is bright. these charismatic canines. Julia Bohanna produce Wolf Print and been a great member of the Obviously the USA is another matter, I would like to thank Mike Collins our team. Julia has been responsible EVENT NEWS but with the reintroduction of wolves wolfkeeper for the past four years for Wolf Print’s fantastic content. We are holding an exciting into Yellowstone in 1995, there who has contributed so much to the mini seminar on Saturday has been much positive progress in Trust, particularly in his enrichment Lastly my thanks to Lesley Emmett 25th August kindly organised wolf conservation there too. As you ideas for the wolves and for his deep and Stephen Walker who work by Ian Redman of Wolf HELP may know it has been decided to love of them. We wish him well in tirelessly for the Trust too. entitled Grey Wolves: A reintroduce wolves onto Isle Royale his future looking after elephants at Celebration. This event is now later this year, which is good news. Whipsnade Zoo. I believe the Trust’s highlights over sold out. the past 23 years in wolf achievement The needs of our wolves come fi rst To Lynn who has been in the offi ce has to be the successful breeding of We also look forward to every time, as you know – with Torak, for over 12 years, we owe a huge Lunca, Latea, Alba and Luana, the fi rst seeing you here this summer. Duma and Dakota by Pat Melton Mosi, Mai and Motomo all reaching debt. She has been responsible for European wolves to have been born in years of the UK Wolf Beenham, but any extra donations Conservation Trust is will allow us to continue to give to the 23 drawing to a close at projects we have supported annually. the end of August. Although this is obviously a sad moment for all of In a sense the role of the UK Wolf you who have visited and supported Conservation Trust is not so relevant our work during these years, I do as it was 20 years ago, in terms of believe that the whole project has educating people about wolves. The been a hugely positive one. Positive perception of wolves has changed in respect of animal care and welfare hugely since Roger and I fi rst acquired and the contribution we have been ‘My Lady’ in 1974 – I believe the able to make to wolf conservation. future of wolves in Europe is bright We have donated a total of £360,000 and they are here to stay. The success to support worldwide research, of the council of Europe Action Plan education and conservation of the for the conservation of wolves in wolf. We will continue to donate in Europe, with its intention to produce the future years when we have funds management plans for wolves, as available. We have enough set aside well as the move towards population By Darren Prescott for the care of the wolves here at level conservation is a positive move.
4 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 5
04-05 Director's Letter for print.indd 4 01/08/2018 10:18am 04-05 Director's Letter for print.indd 5 01/08/2018 10:18am bury it. Egg boxes and treats had to be thrown over to Mai and Motomo, Children’s as Motomo is unsocialised and cannot be moved to a side enclosure. He grabbed his bags as they fell and TRUST NEWS Eggstravaganza Mai wandered about hoovering up food that he had dropped. Event The Arctics, looking more brown than white because of the mud after the last few days of rain, embraced the whole experience with gusto. Massak and Sikko loped around gathering up eggs and bags whilst Pukak jumped onto the platform to get at treats that were put up there. He soon discovered that if he knocked the eggs onto the ground they would open! The bags were demolished using his long nails in no time. Pukak does love his food!
Torak still wouldn’t join Mosi who was weeing on bags in the side enclosure to claim as her own and was eating food rapidly. After everyone had gone, Senior Handler Pat Melton and I watched with amusement whilst Torak trotted into the side enclosure to fetch bags from the platforms and bring them into his main enclosure to eat. He must have made fi ve trips and ate far more than Mosi in the end. He is certainly a very clever wolf! Pukak by Mike Collins All the children had a wonderful time and it was a delight to see even little three year olds so absorbed in the n a chilly but sunny day, 32 the treats to and then carefully carried activities. It was a fun-fi lled day and adults and children came their eggs and bags to the appropriate an opportunity to dispel some of the Oto make their Easter treats enclosure. Once the children had myths surrounding wolves and explain for the wolves. The Arctics and the hidden the treats and were safely out, how they need our help. Beenhams were put in their side the wolves were let back in so the enclosures so that the children could children could watch them eat the Wendy Brooker put the tasty delights in their main food. Volunteers described the wolves’ enclosures and walk round to see how behaviour and talked about the the wolves utilise their space. Torak wolves individually. They were asked decided that he didn’t want to go into lots of questions by both children On 18th June Mike Collins the side enclosure for the morning, so and adults and some of the younger our wolfkeeper for the past Mosi and Torak’s eggs and bags were children were already extremely four years, left the UK Wolf placed in their side enclosure and then knowledgeable. Conservation Trust to start the gate was opened for them to run his new role as an elephant in to get the food. Lots of children The Beenhams tore in and Tundra keeper at Whipsnade Zoo. took photos. grabbed a bag and ran to the The Trust would like to thank seclusion of the trees whilst Nuka him for his dedication, love Cardboard eggs were artistically tore round tearing bags to shreds and exceptional care that he coloured and Easter bags fi lled to the with his teeth to get at the food showed for the wolves. We brim with eggs, sausages, cheese, hot inside. Tala was more ladylike and wish him all the very best for dogs and black pudding. The children used her paws to open things and the future. chose the wolf they wanted to give fi nally took a cardboard egg off to
6 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 7
06-07 Trust News for print 2.indd 1 20/08/2018 13:33pm bury it. Egg boxes and treats had to be thrown over to Mai and Motomo, Children’s as Motomo is unsocialised and cannot Covéa Work Party Grey Wolves: be moved to a side enclosure. He grabbed his bags as they fell and n 1st May, 12 enthusiastic staff members from the Covéa A Celebration TRUST NEWS Eggstravaganza Mai wandered about hoovering up Insurance plc came to spend the day doing essential food that he had dropped. Omaintenance tasks at the Trust. They erected the large marquee ready for the summer events amidst much jollity and good 25th August Event The Arctics, looking more brown than spirits. Some helped mend benches whilst others painted wooden white because of the mud after the rubbish bins and picnic tables. last few days of rain, embraced the whole experience with gusto. Massak A wooden picket fence was expertly erected in front of the goats’ and Sikko loped around gathering up summer enclosure. One lady commented how much good fun it eggs and bags whilst Pukak jumped was to work outside and away from the offi ce and be able to do onto the platform to get at treats that something useful for the Trust. After all the work was completed were put up there. He soon discovered the work party watched the wolves being fed whilst the wolfkeeper that if he knocked the eggs onto the talked about the wolves. ground they would open! The bags were demolished using his long nails Everyone said what a great day it had been and that they would in no time. Pukak does love his food! love to do it again. The Trust is extremely grateful to Covéa for letting us have such fantastic volunteers for the day. Torak still wouldn’t join Mosi who was As our weeing on bags in the side enclosure Wendy Brooker organisation to claim as her own and was eating draws to a close, food rapidly. After everyone had gone, the Trust is Senior Handler Pat Melton and proud to host an I watched with amusement whilst Places where you can see informative day Torak trotted into the side enclosure with conservationist Ian Redman – one to fetch bags from the platforms and wolves in the UK of the co-founders of Wolf HELP. In bring them into his main enclosure to four presentations, Ian will discuss the eat. He must have made fi ve trips and • Blackpool Zoo importance of Canis lupus and its place ate far more than Mosi in the end. • Colchester Zoo in the world today. He is certainly a very clever wolf! • Cotswold Wildlife Park Pukak by Mike Collins • Dartmoor Zoo All the children had a wonderful time • Exmoor Zoo and it was a delight to see even little • Highland Wildlife Park PLEASE NOTE! three year olds so absorbed in the • Howletts As of 31st August 2018 the Wolf Trust n a chilly but sunny day, 32 the treats to and then carefully carried activities. It was a fun-fi lled day and • Knowsley Safari Park adults and children came their eggs and bags to the appropriate an opportunity to dispel some of the will not be receiving any more e-mails • Longleat Safari Park to make their Easter treats enclosure. Once the children had myths surrounding wolves and explain as it will be closed to the public. O • New Forest Wildlife Park for the wolves. The Arctics and the hidden the treats and were safely out, how they need our help. If there are any questions that you Beenhams were put in their side the wolves were let back in so the • Paradise Wildlife Park have about wolf conservation then enclosures so that the children could children could watch them eat the Wendy Brooker • Port Lympne please feel free to contact Richard put the tasty delights in their main food. Volunteers described the wolves’ • Wildwood (Kent) Morley of the Wolves and Humans enclosures and walk round to see how behaviour and talked about the • Wingham Wildlife Park Foundation. His e-mail is: the wolves utilise their space. Torak wolves individually. They were asked • Woburn Safari Park [email protected] decided that he didn’t want to go into lots of questions by both children On 18th June Mike Collins • Wolf Watch UK – Please see their website before visiting the side enclosure for the morning, so and adults and some of the younger our wolfkeeper for the past Mosi and Torak’s eggs and bags were children were already extremely four years, left the UK Wolf placed in their side enclosure and then knowledgeable. Conservation Trust to start the gate was opened for them to run his new role as an elephant DONATIONS MADE THIS QUARTER BY THE UKWCT in to get the food. Lots of children The Beenhams tore in and Tundra keeper at Whipsnade Zoo. took photos. grabbed a bag and ran to the The Trust would like to thank CROATIA Zagreb Veterinary Institute – Josip Kusak £5,000 seclusion of the trees whilst Nuka him for his dedication, love Cardboard eggs were artistically tore round tearing bags to shreds and exceptional care that he RUSSIA Chisty Les Biological Station – Vladimir Bologov £3,000 coloured and Easter bags fi lled to the with his teeth to get at the food showed for the wolves. We brim with eggs, sausages, cheese, hot inside. Tala was more ladylike and wish him all the very best for Total £8,000 dogs and black pudding. The children used her paws to open things and the future. chose the wolf they wanted to give fi nally took a cardboard egg off to
6 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 7
06-07 Trust News for print 2.indd 1 20/08/2018 13:33pm 06-07 Trust News for print 2.indd 2 20/08/2018 13:33pm Mosi by Eve King UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES
Updates for Mosi and Torak
osi and Torak had their 12th In the hot weather Torak likes to go in birthdays in April and, despite the pond to cool off, whilst Mosi prefers Ma touch of arthritis in their legs, to snooze on the boggy grassy edge of they can still playfully chase each other at the pond. Wolves’ top guard hairs repel speed around the enclosure. They have dirt and water, so when Torak comes out shed their grey warm undercoat fur and of the pond soaking wet he just shakes look a lot sleeker now, showing their hard and is dry. Visitors often ask if we powerful leg and neck muscles. Both are groom the wolves, as Torak has almost stunning wolves much admired by our comb-like marks along his sides, but it is visitors. only the way his hair grows. I don’t think a brush would stay with us for too long! Torak spends more time at the front of the enclosure now giving visitors All the wolves shared fi shy birthday a superior glance as he lopes by on cakes in May and as usual Mosi did a his perimeter checks. He can often be wee on the cakes whilst Torak found a seen with splodges of mud on his nose large one to take off to the back of the indicating that he has dug up a piece of enclosure to eat in private. Torak and Mosi’s cached food! Mosi is always in Mosi had a big goose egg each at Easter In the hot weather sight welcoming visitors as they come in which they thoroughly enjoyed. Torak likes to go in the and is more than willing to demonstrate a ‘proper’ wolf howl in response to a When enrichment sacks fi lled with pond to cool off.” volunteer’s inferior howl. scented straw are thrown into the
8 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 9
08-09 Mosi and Torak for print.indd 8 01/08/2018 10:20am Mosi by Eve King
enclosure Mosi will roll on them melons and remnants of cardboard from sideways ensuring a maximum coverage children’s events. The wolves stand in of whichever scent is used. Torak lies on their side enclosures watching and then his back whilst rolling on the sack and enjoy tracking all the footsteps once waggles his long legs in the air, which they are back in the enclosure – more Mosi prefers to makes great photographs for onlookers. enrichment. In the wild, wolves will often roll on snooze on the boggy the faeces of the prey they are hunting Torak and Mosi have enjoyed regular – hence the phrase ‘A wolf in sheep’s walks across the fields smelling new grassy edge of the pond.” clothing’. Animals have an enhanced smells, over-scenting other wolves’ sense of smell, so it’s wise for the wolves scents and rolling in fox, dog, or deer to disguise their own scent. poo. Torak’s favourite smell is the traces of diesel on the grass left by the tractor. Enrichment is vital for captive animals He has been known to try to get up and the wolves have a variety of regular into the tractor – obviously a frustrated enrichments to hone their cognitive farmer at heart!! They are such an abilities. Volunteers have to don rubber endearing pair. gloves and pick up old deer heads UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES and legs, pieces of coconut shell and Wendy Brooker
Torak by Mike Collins Updates for Mosi and Torak
osi and Torak had their 12th In the hot weather Torak likes to go in birthdays in April and, despite the pond to cool off, whilst Mosi prefers Ma touch of arthritis in their legs, to snooze on the boggy grassy edge of they can still playfully chase each other at the pond. Wolves’ top guard hairs repel speed around the enclosure. They have dirt and water, so when Torak comes out shed their grey warm undercoat fur and of the pond soaking wet he just shakes look a lot sleeker now, showing their hard and is dry. Visitors often ask if we powerful leg and neck muscles. Both are groom the wolves, as Torak has almost stunning wolves much admired by our comb-like marks along his sides, but it is visitors. only the way his hair grows. I don’t think a brush would stay with us for too long! Torak spends more time at the front of the enclosure now giving visitors All the wolves shared fi shy birthday a superior glance as he lopes by on cakes in May and as usual Mosi did a his perimeter checks. He can often be wee on the cakes whilst Torak found a seen with splodges of mud on his nose large one to take off to the back of the indicating that he has dug up a piece of enclosure to eat in private. Torak and Mosi’s cached food! Mosi is always in Mosi had a big goose egg each at Easter In the hot weather sight welcoming visitors as they come in which they thoroughly enjoyed. Torak likes to go in the and is more than willing to demonstrate a ‘proper’ wolf howl in response to a When enrichment sacks fi lled with pond to cool off.” volunteer’s inferior howl. scented straw are thrown into the
8 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 9
08-09 Mosi and Torak for print.indd 8 01/08/2018 10:20am 08-09 Mosi and Torak for print.indd 9 01/08/2018 10:20am Tundra by Charlotte Lorand
Tala by Pat Melton
or bits of hessian sacking, play with them or try to encourage any visiting volunteers to join in. Unfortunately, we can’t play with adult wolves – they can be quite rough. But we enjoy watching them. Recently the Beenhams found a coconut left over from a previous Update on enrichment and knocked it about like a football. Perhaps they should be signed UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES by Wolverhampton Wanderers! Another The Beenhams favourite Beenham pack pastime is waiting for their enclosure waterfall to be turned on when the fi rst volunteers arrive. The wolves gather at the top of All good things come to an end and so it is for the feature, heads cocked, listening for the fi rst trickle of water. One may even Wolf Print and the public life of the UKWCT. Wolves stick their nose into the gap between worldwide are in a better place overall than in stones if they think things are taking 1995 when Roger opened the Trust. too long. Once the water starts running the wolves bound down the waterfall, following the water as it gushes down the slope before drinking it – a game e are proud to have played reasons: acknowledging a new presence that never gets old! Tundra is still the our part in educating on site, telling the other wolves where pack’s dominant female and things are Wthousands about wolves, they are or re-establishing each pack’s mostly peaceful, although she can give and contributing to projects that help territorial rights. Once the wolves can Tala a hard time when the mood takes keep them in the wild. We couldn’t see and smell you, you’ll be treated to her. Tala takes it in her stride but has her have achieved that without our a rally, a rousing call of yips, squeaks limits and will occasionally stand up to wonderful ambassador wolves that have and short howls, welcoming you into her sister. When things get too heated, informed and entertained the public the fold. Wolves do this when coming Nuka steps in to separate the girls before and volunteers alike over the years. together after being apart or before anything gets out of hand. It’s funny to We salute them all. One of the great hunts, a way of bonding the pack watch Tundra try to suck up to Nuka pleasures of volunteering with these together and acknowledging each wolf’s after she’s been rebuked for harassing amazing animals is arriving early in the place. The Beenhams celebrated their Tala, whining and licking his face. All morning and hearing a howled greeting, seventh birthday on 3 May, now middle- good natural wolf behaviour and great usually starting with Mosi, then all the aged in wolf years. Only yesterday, they to observe. way down to the Beenhams in the were tiny cubs! They are the last of our last enclosure. Wolves howl for many walking wolves and have fulfi lled that As we wind down to our closing date in duty admirably, allowing people to see August, the Beenhams will do their last Nuka by Mike Collins a wolf up close. We’ve been lucky with walks before starting their retirement. Nuka; most male wolves older than four They have been wonderful ambassadors do not want to continue walking with for their species and we have been strangers. Nuka has so far kept his calm, privileged to work with them and be charming and laid-back character, a a part of their lives. They will be well playful boy who enjoys any enrichment. looked after by the Palmer family and On a recent hot day, we let hoses arch the current volunteers until the end of water into the enclosure and Nuka got their lives and we’ll keep you updated very excited, play-bowing and jumping on them via our website. Thanks for all at the water before tearing off round the your support. enclosure, then running back to repeat the process. He will often pick up sticks Nikki Davies
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10-12 Wolf update for print.indd 10 01/08/2018 10:21am Tundra by Charlotte Lorand Mai by Charlotte Lorand
Tala by Pat Melton Motomo by Francesca Macilroy or bits of hessian sacking, play with them or try to encourage any visiting volunteers to join in. Unfortunately, we Update on Mai before Motomo makes a rush at the bird can’t play with adult wolves – they can who usually fl ies off and perches on the be quite rough. But we enjoy watching enclosure fencing, the raised platform them. Recently the Beenhams found and Motomo or a low tree branch, watching for the a coconut left over from a previous next opportunity. One day Motomo will Update on enrichment and knocked it about like a probably get lucky though! football. Perhaps they should be signed UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES by Wolverhampton Wanderers! Another Mai and Motomo had an uneventful breeding At the end of last year, Mai lost her The Beenhams favourite Beenham pack pastime is season – the wet, cold weather probably didn’t help. howl – it came back in late winter/ waiting for their enclosure waterfall to early spring but in the last couple of be turned on when the fi rst volunteers months her attempts at howling have arrive. The wolves gather at the top of reverted to producing only a hoarse All good things come to an end and so it is for the feature, heads cocked, listening for s the breeding period came to Although the ‘enrichment’ walks with croak, or sometimes a very high- the fi rst trickle of water. One may even an end, Mai was still pestering Mai were suspended during the mating pitched almost inaudible whistle. Why Wolf Print and the public life of the UKWCT. Wolves stick their nose into the gap between AMotomo to play – pawing season, in early April it was decided to this happens we are not sure – it just worldwide are in a better place overall than in stones if they think things are taking at him when he was lying down, or see if she was maybe interested in going seems to be a recurring feature of Mai’s 1995 when Roger opened the Trust. too long. Once the water starts running licking round his muzzle. Occasionally out again. The answer was: ‘not sure!’ unique personality. Julian, the vet, has the wolves bound down the waterfall, this would give rise to a brief chase When her favourite handlers opened advised that so long as she shows no following the water as it gushes down but Motomo was generally rather the gate between the enclosure and the other symptoms (such as diffi culty in the slope before drinking it – a game indifferent to her advances and hardstanding area ready to put her collar swallowing) there’s nothing to worry e are proud to have played reasons: acknowledging a new presence that never gets old! Tundra is still the sometimes even snapped back at her. on, she ran enthusiastically down to see about and that further veterinary our part in educating on site, telling the other wolves where pack’s dominant female and things are By mid April things had calmed down them, but stopped a few feet short and investigation is not warranted at this Wthousands about wolves, they are or re-establishing each pack’s mostly peaceful, although she can give and their behaviour turned to digging looked round to where Motomo was point. It could potentially just be a and contributing to projects that help territorial rights. Once the wolves can Tala a hard time when the mood takes out the den. Over the winter the wet standing – then after a few seconds symptom of old age as wolves in the keep them in the wild. We couldn’t see and smell you, you’ll be treated to her. Tala takes it in her stride but has her weather had caused the roof to slump wandered off to lie in her favourite spot wild have also been documented as have achieved that without our a rally, a rousing call of yips, squeaks limits and will occasionally stand up to in, so some remodelling was needed. in the upper corner of the enclosure losing their howls. wonderful ambassador wolves that have and short howls, welcoming you into her sister. When things get too heated, Both Mai and Motomo took to their (where she can see the whole site, informed and entertained the public the fold. Wolves do this when coming Nuka steps in to separate the girls before task with enthusiasm – Motomo in particularly the food shed). We’ll offer The cold, wet spring has meant that and volunteers alike over the years. together after being apart or before anything gets out of hand. It’s funny to particular got so involved that almost her the chance to go on walks again neither Mai or Motomo are showing We salute them all. One of the great hunts, a way of bonding the pack watch Tundra try to suck up to Nuka all the fur on his upper body became once any period of pseudo-pregnancy any signs of moulting. In previous pleasures of volunteering with these together and acknowledging each wolf’s after she’s been rebuked for harassing coated with a thin layer of mud, is over, then let her decide. years when the spring has been warm, amazing animals is arriving early in the place. The Beenhams celebrated their Tala, whining and licking his face. All making him look distinctly brown rather Motomo has sometimes started morning and hearing a howled greeting, seventh birthday on 3 May, now middle- good natural wolf behaviour and great than his natural straw-coloured with Both wolves continue to feed well, moulting by the beginning of May. usually starting with Mosi, then all the aged in wolf years. Only yesterday, they to observe. black/grey highlights. A few days later though their food preferences can vary. Mai, like her sister Mosi, is usually a late way down to the Beenhams in the were tiny cubs! They are the last of our his fur had shed the mud and he was Some days they will prefer chicken moulter – sometimes not really starting last enclosure. Wolves howl for many walking wolves and have fulfi lled that As we wind down to our closing date in back to his normal colour. over beef, other days it’s the other to shed until the middle of June. duty admirably, allowing people to see August, the Beenhams will do their last way round. Deer is generally popular, Nuka by Mike Collins a wolf up close. We’ve been lucky with walks before starting their retirement. Mai also got muddy, though she wisely though not all visitors are prepared for As both wolves are now getting older Nuka; most male wolves older than four They have been wonderful ambassadors seemed to choose to do most of her the crunching sounds as the wolves split (and in the wild would probably no do not want to continue walking with for their species and we have been digging on days when things were drier. their way through the bones, and we longer be alive) they are now both strangers. Nuka has so far kept his calm, privileged to work with them and be By the end of April the den had been know from the little piles of feathers receiving ‘fl exi-joint’ food supplement, charming and laid-back character, a a part of their lives. They will be well reworked so it was easy for both wolves that they are still taking birds that land which should help with keeping their playful boy who enjoys any enrichment. looked after by the Palmer family and to disappear from sight while digging in the enclosure. Motomo in particular joints supple. Though they may be On a recent hot day, we let hoses arch the current volunteers until the end of – onlookers would be treated to the has developed a bit of an obsession elderly they both are still healthy and full water into the enclosure and Nuka got their lives and we’ll keep you updated sight of Motomo reversing out of the with one particular magpie who hangs of life, and we will all continue to care very excited, play-bowing and jumping on them via our website. Thanks for all entrance while kicking the most recent around the enclosure at feeding time for them in spite of the forthcoming at the water before tearing off round the your support. dug earth backwards with his front in the hope of snatching some scraps; changes to the way the Trust operates. enclosure, then running back to repeat paws so the soil shot out between his it’s very cheeky and will get within a the process. He will often pick up sticks Nikki Davies back legs. few feet of Motomo while he’s eating, Pete Morgan-Lucas
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10-12 Wolf update for print.indd 10 01/08/2018 10:21am 10-12 Wolf update for print.indd 11 01/08/2018 10:22am Massak UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES All photographs by Francesca Macilroy Pukak Update on Arctics
s the breeding season passed for high when its feeding time, as well as another year, Massak, Sikko and for food enrichment, to put the lower APukak’s seventh birthdays were ranking Pukak in his place when he is celebrated with a Wolf Birthday Cake seeking an opportunity to gain extra event. This sensory enrichment provided food. individual cakes made with the smelliest of fi sh, bound with eggs and a small Communication amongst wolves Sikko amount of fl our. The children attending is developed through sound, scent the event topped the cakes with the and body language and is key to wolves’ favourite cream cheese and their survival. The most identifi able whimpering sound when the cheeky even decorated birthday cards for them. communication when observing our Pukak decides ‘I give up’ whilst in a What more could a wolf ask for! wolves is sound: howling, whimpers, submissive position, when Massak is yelps, snarls, growls and barks. Howling dominating him. Our dominant female, Moving the wolves into their holding is particularly intended for long distance Sikko, can really hold her own and will pen gave the children the opportunity and is used to keep the pack together, take great pleasure to team up with to enter their main enclosure and place to locate one another, rally together and Massak and dominate Pukak. If things the cakes around for our Arctics to sniff on occasion, just for fun. Pack members do get too rough between the two out. When the wolves re-entered their will chorus howl to defend their brothers her petite frame can easily be enclosure, the ever cheeky, food-loving territory and rally the pack together. protected behind Massak’s size. This Pukak was the fi rst to run over and Most howls heard in a pack are chorus vocalisation can also be used for defence even managed to eat the majority on howls (involving three or more wolves) or to signal an attack. Barking is rarely offer. After the fi rst indulgence, he and they will even howl in response to used but can be heard as a warning/ found more cakes on the high platform. something that just sounds similar to a alarm call in times of unease. However, Sikko our dominant female, howl, like the church bells in Beenham, decided she wanted some too. To the ice-cream van that visits or even a indicate her dominance, she vocalised human howling, as some of you may As August approaches why by growling and snarling, while Pukak have witnessed at our Howl Night not take advantage of our last guarded his cakes eagerly and began events. ‘Visit Wednesdays’ to pay a visit licking off the cheese. He defended his to our wolves and hear these vocalisations for yourselves. food well and at one point it looked Whimpering and yelp sounds indicate like he might swallow one of the cakes short range communication, seen whole! Both Massak and Sikko will also frequently between our male wolves vocalise in this way with their tails held Massak and Pukak. You will hear a Rachel Mortimer
12 | Wolf Print Summer 2018
10-12 Wolf update for print.indd 12 01/08/2018 10:22am Massak Endangered Means There is Still Time – America’s Red Wolf UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES All photographs by Francesca Macilroy Pukak Update on Arctics s the breeding season passed for high when its feeding time, as well as another year, Massak, Sikko and for food enrichment, to put the lower APukak’s seventh birthdays were ranking Pukak in his place when he is celebrated with a Wolf Birthday Cake seeking an opportunity to gain extra event. This sensory enrichment provided food. individual cakes made with the smelliest of fi sh, bound with eggs and a small Communication amongst wolves Sikko amount of fl our. The children attending is developed through sound, scent the event topped the cakes with the and body language and is key to wolves’ favourite cream cheese and their survival. The most identifi able whimpering sound when the cheeky even decorated birthday cards for them. communication when observing our Pukak decides ‘I give up’ whilst in a What more could a wolf ask for! wolves is sound: howling, whimpers, submissive position, when Massak is yelps, snarls, growls and barks. Howling dominating him. Our dominant female, Moving the wolves into their holding is particularly intended for long distance Sikko, can really hold her own and will pen gave the children the opportunity and is used to keep the pack together, take great pleasure to team up with to enter their main enclosure and place to locate one another, rally together and Massak and dominate Pukak. If things the cakes around for our Arctics to sniff on occasion, just for fun. Pack members do get too rough between the two out. When the wolves re-entered their will chorus howl to defend their brothers her petite frame can easily be enclosure, the ever cheeky, food-loving territory and rally the pack together. protected behind Massak’s size. This Pukak was the fi rst to run over and Most howls heard in a pack are chorus vocalisation can also be used for defence Once populating most of the vast region east of the Mississippi River, the red wolf even managed to eat the majority on howls (involving three or more wolves) or to signal an attack. Barking is rarely (Canis rufus) is now one of the planet’s most endangered mammals. Intermediate in offer. After the fi rst indulgence, he and they will even howl in response to used but can be heard as a warning/ size between the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and the coyote (Canis latrans), this uniquely found more cakes on the high platform. something that just sounds similar to a alarm call in times of unease. However, Sikko our dominant female, howl, like the church bells in Beenham, American wolf’s name is derived from the deep russet tones woven through its rich decided she wanted some too. To the ice-cream van that visits or even a black and grey pelage and the splashes of red on the backs of the ears and the indicate her dominance, she vocalised human howling, as some of you may As August approaches why long legs. Although some 200 red wolves presently live in the 43 Red Wolf Species by growling and snarling, while Pukak have witnessed at our Howl Night not take advantage of our last guarded his cakes eagerly and began events. ‘Visit Wednesdays’ to pay a visit Survival Captive Breeding Plan nature centres and zoos throughout the USA, fewer licking off the cheese. He defended his to our wolves and hear these than 40 wild wolves now inhabit the 1.7 million acres of coastal lowlands and forest vocalisations for yourselves. food well and at one point it looked Whimpering and yelp sounds indicate known as the Albemarle Peninsula in northeastern North Carolina – the only place like he might swallow one of the cakes short range communication, seen in the world where red wolves roam free. whole! Both Massak and Sikko will also frequently between our male wolves vocalise in this way with their tails held Massak and Pukak. You will hear a Rachel Mortimer
12 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 13
10-12 Wolf update for print.indd 12 01/08/2018 10:22am 13-15 Red wolf for print.indd 1 01/08/2018 10:23am Over the ensuing years, the red wolf population steadily increased, peaking at a total of 130 known animals in 2006. But that year marked the beginning of a sudden uptick in illegal gunshot mortality. As a result, packs were fractured and destabilised with the loss of mature breeders. At the same time, USFWS administrators came under intense pressure from a few anti-wolf landowners and from the state wildlife agency (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission - NCWRC), which had never embraced the Red Wolf Recovery Program. A handful of disgruntled landowners demanded and received permission from the USFWS to use lethal control on their private properties, and the NCWRC doubled down by petitioning the USFWS to terminate the Recovery Program and to declare the red wolf extinct in the wild. Photograph Rebecca Harrison, USFWS Faced with diminished political support, the USFWS scaled back FROM EXTINCTION officially extinct in the wild. Then or rescinded the time-proven TO RECOVERY in a bold experiment, red wolves management strategies in raised in captivity were introduced direct violation of the agency’s Like North American wolves into Alligator River National Wildlife responsibilities under the federal everywhere in the 19th and 20th Refuge in 1987. Using innovative Endangered Species Act (ESA). centuries, red wolves were shot, management strategies and multi- Gunshot deaths continued to increase, trapped and poisoned under faceted coordination among scientists, and as red wolf numbers plummeted, government-sponsored extermination managers, private citizens and the wolves began to lose ground to programs. By 1962, only a few wolves conservation organizations like the coyotes. Hybridisation became a major remained, living mostly in marginal Red Wolf Coalition, the long path to concern. On behalf of the Red Wolf habitat along the Texas/Louisiana recovery began. It was a journey that Coalition and two other conservation Gulf Coast. In a desperate attempt ultimately became an unprecedented groups, the Southern Environmental to save the species, the U.S. Fish and triumph for the red wolf. The Law Center filed a lawsuit in federal Wildlife Service (USFWS) live-trapped restoration project was so successful court against the USFWS for violations the last red wolves and placed them that it later became a model for of the ESA. Review of the legal briefs in a captive breeding programme. the grey wolf reintroduction in the is expected to be completed in late In 1980, the red wolf was declared Northern Rocky Mountains. June 2018.
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13-15 Red wolf for print.indd 2 01/08/2018 10:23am AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE AND A CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM
In September 2017, the USFWS proposed shrinking the wolves’ range from the 1.7 million acres of public and private land on the Albemarle Peninsula to two parcels of federal land in the most eastern of the five recovery-region counties. Although maintaining a small, representative population would be better than removing the red wolf from the endangered species list (“delisting”), Over the ensuing years, the red the Red Wolf Coalition and other wolf population steadily increased, conservation partners contend that peaking at a total of 130 known restricting the wild population to such animals in 2006. But that year a small area could doom the species marked the beginning of a sudden in the wild. However, the USFWS says Photograph Museum of Life and Science uptick in illegal gunshot mortality. it plans to conduct a serious study As a result, packs were fractured of other places in the southeastern and destabilised with the loss of United States where red wolves could mature breeders. At the same time, be reintroduced. Over the ensuing years, the red wolf USFWS administrators came under population steadily increased, peaking at intense pressure from a few anti-wolf Although uncertainty over the future landowners and from the state wildlife of the Red Wolf Recovery Program a total of 130 known animals in 2006. But agency (North Carolina Wildlife has caused deep concern among red Resources Commission - NCWRC), wolf advocates, there is some good that year marked the beginning of a sudden which had never embraced the Red news. In early May 2018, the USFWS uptick in illegal gunshot mortality.” Wolf Recovery Program. A handful of announced its intention to keep the disgruntled landowners demanded red wolf listed under the ESA as an and received permission from the endangered species. However, future is not a distinct species but rather A SPECIAL MESSAGE USFWS to use lethal control on their specific management plans will not a recent (the past 200 years) grey private properties, and the NCWRC be announced until the summer of wolf/coyote hybrid. Other geneticists OF APPRECIATION doubled down by petitioning the 2018 when the USFWS will release hypothesise that red wolves evolved FROM THE RED WOLF USFWS to terminate the Recovery a formal proposal for the red wolves in North America separate from COALITION Program and to declare the red wolf of northeastern North Carolina. grey wolves that evolved in Eurasia. extinct in the wild. Pessimists continue to insist that a The debate over divergent scientific The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Photograph Rebecca Harrison, USFWS wild population is not sustainable conclusions will continue, as it has supported the work of the Faced with diminished political because of the precipitous losses should. That is how science works. Red Wolf Coalition for many years. support, the USFWS scaled back in red wolf numbers and because Meanwhile, those who value red The Trust’s belief in the Coalition’s FROM EXTINCTION officially extinct in the wild. Then or rescinded the time-proven of the animosity causing the illegal wolves maintain that whatever the mission and in the value of red TO RECOVERY in a bold experiment, red wolves management strategies in killing. Others like the Red Wolf red wolf is, it is the legitimate wolf of wolf conservation has helped to raised in captivity were introduced direct violation of the agency’s Coalition disagree. It will be a heavy the eastern USA, and thus it deserves sustain education and outreach Like North American wolves into Alligator River National Wildlife responsibilities under the federal lift, but if people work together to every effort to preserve and protect it. programs both regionally and everywhere in the 19th and 20th Refuge in 1987. Using innovative Endangered Species Act (ESA). find compromise, the challenges Any animal that has been a keystone throughout the entire USA. The centuries, red wolves were shot, management strategies and multi- Gunshot deaths continued to increase, can be overcome. Red wolves have species in an ecosystem for hundreds Red Wolf Coalition’s executive trapped and poisoned under faceted coordination among scientists, and as red wolf numbers plummeted, a chance if the USFWS will resume of thousands of years (estimates range director and the board of directors government-sponsored extermination managers, private citizens and the wolves began to lose ground to the successful management practices between 13,000 and 300,000) has a are deeply grateful to the Trust for programs. By 1962, only a few wolves conservation organizations like the coyotes. Hybridisation became a major from the past. It’s a matter of finding strong presumptive case for remaining its loyalty both to the organisation remained, living mostly in marginal Red Wolf Coalition, the long path to concern. On behalf of the Red Wolf the political will and of recommitting in that ecosystem. and to the red wolves. We treasure habitat along the Texas/Louisiana recovery began. It was a journey that Coalition and two other conservation to the mandate of the Red Wolf our friends in the United Kingdom, Gulf Coast. In a desperate attempt ultimately became an unprecedented groups, the Southern Environmental Recovery Plan under the ESA. Cornelia Hutt is the chair of the and we encourage all of you to to save the species, the U.S. Fish and triumph for the red wolf. The Law Center filed a lawsuit in federal Red Wolf Coalition Board of stay in touch on Facebook where Wildlife Service (USFWS) live-trapped restoration project was so successful court against the USFWS for violations One controversial aspect of future Directors and a patron of the Trust. we keep our followers updated on the last red wolves and placed them that it later became a model for of the ESA. Review of the legal briefs management is the ongoing the latest news and developments: in a captive breeding programme. the grey wolf reintroduction in the is expected to be completed in late taxonomic debate. Critics of red wolf https://www.facebook.com/ In 1980, the red wolf was declared Northern Rocky Mountains. June 2018. restoration contend that the red wolf redwolfcoalition.
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13-15 Red wolf for print.indd 2 01/08/2018 10:23am 13-15 Red wolf for print.indd 3 01/08/2018 10:23am End of an Era but a Lasting Legacy
The Trust’s time is sadly coming to a close. The wolves that have been such great ambassadors will be getting a much deserved retirement. The Trust has been a part of my life for a decade. I will sorely miss its presence but managers and policy makers as well as further educational activities. look fondly upon all it has achieved and the legacy it leaves behind in those it aided and inspired. The end goal of course is improved understanding, and better conservation of carnivores and ecological processes. These works RESEARCH UPDATES (all viewable on my website or have covered a mix of topics: from ResearchGate); the two which I livestock protection to debates I’m hoping that readers have enjoyed lead, being part of my PhD thesis. around how to improve trophic my articles and are interested in The process of publishing, having cascade research and how to advance how things have been progressing. experts review your work, making behavioural research using automatic Needless to say, good science takes multiple rounds of improvements and cameras. My main research has time and it’s not easy to make defending your decisions is arduous however continued to focus on the huge leaps around a busy teaching and time consuming. It is, however, interactions large carnivores have with schedule. Nonetheless, I am fi nally how you know your work is of an smaller mesopredators. coming to the end of many research acceptable standard and why we activities and writing up the fi nal tend to put reasonable stock in such After pilot studies and time spent chapters of my PhD. Over the past scientifi c works. So ideally it’s been learning about and designing a series few years I’ve managed to be worthwhile and has added to the of foraging experiments I collected involved with six scientifi c publications body of knowledge to help advise a good dataset on the foraging
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16-19 End of and era for print.indd 16 01/08/2018 10:24am behaviour of foxes in response to mean there are not costs involved for I’ve been speaking about my work wolf urine. The research examined the smaller predator. There may of at several conferences and events. fear, foraging and olfaction and is course be benefi ts from scavenging I was fortunate enough to be available to read online as an open large carnivore kills too. It is often invited to speak in Australia and access publication*. We used artifi cial thought that interspecifi c aggression help an old colleague (Suzanne End of an Era feeding stations and a foraging occurs least when niche and body size Stone) with a livestock-predator co- model to control as many variables overlap between predators is small. existence event she hosted as part that might affect foraging behaviour This work shows that aggression of the compassionate conservation as possible, except for a couple of is unlikely to be absent under such conference in Sydney. The event was things we had to measure (visibility conditions but that smaller predators a great success with eager producers, of the patch, moonlight levels and may cope with suppression through scientists and managers all sharing but a Lasting soil consistency). We manipulated adapting their behavioural strategies. tips and ideas. During the conference I the aspect we were interested in discussed the use of various protection (scent) in order to see if foxes behaved OUTREACH methods while also putting forward differently under a control scent a foraging model that should provide or when a cue scent (wolf urine) I am fortunate that through teaching a useful management framework for suggested wolves had been at the I have had chance to inform and dealing with predation problems. Legacy sites recently. include others in my work. Over the years I have hosted a couple I was also lucky enough to have The work established that foxes of interns and numerous research an idea incorporated into the did perceive wolves as a threat in project students at Bangor as well as renowned ‘Scientists’ Warning To Plitvice Lakes National Park. Foxes sharing my experience during teaching Humanity’ where Professor Ripple responded to the wolf urine treatment activities. We’ve had some great was kind enough to include me in by taking less food from feeding zoology and conservation students the acknowledgements. A small but stations, spending less time at feeding conducting exciting projects looking hopefully useful contribution to assist stations and leaving at higher quitting at dietary and foraging ecology, an excellent publication that should harvest rates. A harvest rate is how interactions within predator guilds and help achieve a more positive future much food an animal obtains per conservation in the Anthropocene to for all. As a conservationist I think it’s unit of time when foraging. When name a few. important to think holistically about an animal quits a food patch at a higher harvest rate it suggests it isn’t willing to stick around until the food gain becomes less profi table. This suggested that foxes expect a better food profi t rate when the scent (wolf The Trust’s time is sadly coming to a close. The wolves urine) suggested more danger. In that have been such great ambassadors will be getting addition, we also observed that foxes a much deserved retirement. The Trust has been a part changed their behaviour during the of my life for a decade. I will sorely miss its presence but managers and policy makers as well as wolf urine treatments, spending less further educational activities. time foraging and instead investing look fondly upon all it has achieved and the legacy it more time being vigilant (looking out leaves behind in those it aided and inspired. The end goal of course is improved for danger) or sniffi ng the ground understanding, and better (investigating the risk associated with conservation of carnivores and the scent). ecological processes. These works RESEARCH UPDATES (all viewable on my website or have covered a mix of topics: from The work demonstrates that smaller ResearchGate); the two which I livestock protection to debates predators like foxes may experience I’m hoping that readers have enjoyed lead, being part of my PhD thesis. around how to improve trophic costs to their fi tness due to the my articles and are interested in The process of publishing, having cascade research and how to advance presence of wolves. This highlights an how things have been progressing. experts review your work, making behavioural research using automatic additional ecosystem service pathway Needless to say, good science takes multiple rounds of improvements and cameras. My main research has from large carnivores and an impact time and it’s not easy to make defending your decisions is arduous however continued to focus on the to be considered when making huge leaps around a busy teaching and time consuming. It is, however, interactions large carnivores have with management decisions or looking to schedule. Nonetheless, I am fi nally how you know your work is of an smaller mesopredators. natural regulation as a management coming to the end of many research acceptable standard and why we tool. It has also illuminated some activities and writing up the fi nal tend to put reasonable stock in such After pilot studies and time spent of the behavioural processes at chapters of my PhD. Over the past scientifi c works. So ideally it’s been learning about and designing a series play when carnivores co-exist. Just few years I’ve managed to be worthwhile and has added to the of foraging experiments I collected because two predators co-exist and Golden Jackal Pup involved with six scientifi c publications body of knowledge to help advise a good dataset on the foraging share space does not necessarily
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16-19 End of and era for print.indd 16 01/08/2018 10:24am 16-19 End of and era for print.indd 17 01/08/2018 10:24am Foxes likely scavenge large carniore kills too
sustainability and to live life in a way as one might expect. I have plans to that minimises impacts to wildlife. examine temporal activity patterns It is this kind of broad thinking and to further examine the impacts large collaborative attitude that I intend to carnivores have upon foxes and carry forwards from my experiences the strategies foxes may employ to with the Trust in order to maximise cope with their presence. I have a
Wolf trail cam conservation success. publication on predator-livestock confl ict management under review TAKING THE LEGACY so hopefully that will be of future FORWARD assistance too.
While it is sad I still have much to fi nish writing. Beyond this I would like to be able to With Professor Josip Kusak and tell you exactly what I will be up to to see the end our collaborators in Plitvice lakes but like many things in life my future of something so much monitoring with automatic activities are uncertain. We have some cameras has occurred. I’ve almost interesting developments with golden productive and fi nished analysing and writing up jackals expanding their range and some research on spatial interactions breeding inside the national park so I positive, it is a fact of between large carnivores, humans would love to continue my work there life that good things and foxes but I won’t release any further. I’m fortunate enough to be spoilers just yet. It is however looking visiting some fantastic research groups come to an end.” interesting with things being not quite in Canada this autumn. I’m hoping
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16-19 End of and era for print.indd 18 01/08/2018 10:24am The Trust has been an international voice of hope and compassion for wildlife, a legacy for all to carry forward and to celebrate.”
Krešo Wolf Collar
to gain some new skills and expand helped to give voice and assistance my collaborative network as well as to animals often at risk. The Trust ideally being of some use to research has been an international voice of and conservation activities while I’m hope and compassion for wildlife, a there. Not long after that the PhD will legacy for all to carry forward and to hopefully be fi nished and I can begin celebrate. I know I speak for more whatever my next venture will be. than myself when I say that I am very One thing I can assure you though is grateful to have been lucky enough to that whatever I do, it will no doubt collaborate with the Trust.
involve conservation of carnivores and Lynx other wildlife. I am always in need of Pete Haswell assistance so thank you in advance Foxes likely scavenge large to anyone kind enough to help carniore kills too support my future efforts by using the donation link on my website.
While it is sad to see the end of sustainability and to live life in a way as one might expect. I have plans to something so productive and positive, that minimises impacts to wildlife. examine temporal activity patterns it is a fact of life that good things It is this kind of broad thinking and to further examine the impacts large come to an end. The Trust has collaborative attitude that I intend to carnivores have upon foxes and helped establish and support many carry forwards from my experiences the strategies foxes may employ to conservation efforts over the years, with the Trust in order to maximise cope with their presence. I have a inspiring and helping myself and many
Wolf trail cam conservation success. publication on predator-livestock others to progress to careers devoted confl ict management under review to conservation. Helping countless TAKING THE LEGACY so hopefully that will be of future people to understand, appreciate and FORWARD assistance too. co-exist with predators that often get an unfair appraisal. It housed While it is sad I still have much to fi nish writing. Beyond this I would like to be able to and cared for its ambassador wolves Lynx With Professor Josip Kusak and tell you exactly what I will be up to impeccably and with your help it has to see the end our collaborators in Plitvice lakes but like many things in life my future of something so much monitoring with automatic activities are uncertain. We have some cameras has occurred. I’ve almost interesting developments with golden Acknowledgement fi nished analysing and writing up jackals expanding their range and productive and * Haswell, P.M., Jones, K.A., Kusak, J., Hayward, M.W., 2018. Fear, foraging and olfaction: how mesopredators avoid costly interactions with apex some research on spatial interactions breeding inside the national park so I predators. Oecologia. doi: 10.1007/s00442-018-4133-3. positive, it is a fact of between large carnivores, humans would love to continue my work there life that good things and foxes but I won’t release any further. I’m fortunate enough to be Pete Haswell, BSc Hons Environmental Science (Biodiversity and Conservation), works at Bangor University http://conservation.bangor.ac.uk/ spoilers just yet. It is however looking visiting some fantastic research groups PeteHaswell.php.en and is collaborating with Professor Josip Kusak on a project the UKWCT supports in Croatia. http://petehaswellwolfresearch. come to an end.” interesting with things being not quite in Canada this autumn. I’m hoping wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/PeteHaswellWolfResearch
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16-19 End of and era for print.indd 18 01/08/2018 10:24am 16-19 End of and era for print.indd 19 01/08/2018 10:24am Report on the research and conservation of large carnivores in Croatia
PROGRESS REPORT This report details the last 12 months’ activities related to wolf, 1 March 2017-15 February 2018 (351 lynx and bear research, conservation and management in Croatia, days), when we collected 149.72 work as well as international activities in Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, days. We continued capturing and Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Poland, Austria, radio-tracking of wolves, bears and Italy, Slovenia, Spain, and Ecuador. Project researchers were lynx, collection and examination of often invited to teach their work on large carnivores in Croatia: dead carnivores and direct application monitoring systems, emergency teams, trapping methods, health of our study results in management surveys, while Josip Kusak spent two months on a LC research and protection. project in Turkey. We also trained students, researchers In Croatia, considerable efforts were invested to collar new bears, and large carnivore management wolves and lynx – resulting in the collaring of two bears, two professionals from Italy, Germany, wolves and three lynx. Supported with other data obtained by Portugal, United Kingdom, Bosnia & different means, the evidence of wolf population stagnation at the Herzegovina and Bulgaria. level same as during the last year was documented. This finding led to the important management decision not to allow any Project researchers were invited to hunting quota for wolves this year again. present project results in Montenegro, Macedonia, Poland, Austria, Italy, Using trap cameras is an important and demanding task – data Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, processing is always time-consuming. Three contracts for large Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, carnivore research (one for each species of LC) in the Plitvice Ecuador and Romania and participated Lakes National Park (PLNP) provided six in research project in Turkey. GPS collars (two for each species of LC) for telemetry tracking, WORK OVERVIEW free accommodation for field Project researchers spent time doing work and the opportunity field work, checking cases of wolf to accept more students mortality, performing wolf necropsies, for field work participation/ participating in workshops and teaching during 2017. meetings related to research and conservation of wolves and lynx in Croatia and other countries.
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20-23 Croation update for print.indd 20 01/08/2018 10:25am WORK ACTIVITIES ON THE PROJECT IN THE PERIOD FROM 01 MARCH 2017 TO 15 FEBRUARY 2018
Đuro Huber and Josip Kusak ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE N ACTIVITIES N DAYS Report on the research continued to help research and Animal handling 2 2.74 monitoring of large carnivores in other countries. Đuro Huber consultated in LC Committee meeting 1 0.13 and conservation of large nine different countries. Josip Kusak Telemetry 4 20.05 worked on a large carnivore research project in eastern Turkey (Kars region) Trapping 8 124.13 carnivores in Croatia from 15.05.2017 to 05.07.2017 and Workshop 1 2.67 from 10.07.2017 to 26.07.2017 (16 days). 16 149.72
Our LC project continues to attract young people from Croatia and participated in processing of data from University, Faculty of Biology, worldwide and continues to serve as automatic cameras. to become Master of Science training polygon for wolf-lynx-bear Fundamental and Applied Ecology. researchers, conservationists and Joana Pereira, Master of Science in Involved in field work and interested educators. During 2017, we accepted biology, completing her internship in working again as a volunteer. eight foreign students/researchers/ at the Biology Department of the conservationists to work/learn about Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Vladimir Todorov, PhD student from LC research and conservation, within University of Zagreb. Participated in Bulgaria and from Balkani Wildlife various frames of engagement in the trapping large carnivores, telemetry Society, is finishing his thesis on bears lab, in the field or both: tracking, sampling dead animals and at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. preparing samples for further analyses. Daniele De Angelis, graduate MS Igor Trbojević, researcher from the student from the University of Rome. Sarah V. Wallworth used a grant University of Banja Luka, B&H) and his PhD thesis based on merged data from the Institute of Zoology, wife Tijana Trbojević, a PhD student PROGRESS REPORT from bear telemetry tracking in Italy Zoological Society of London (UK), of ecology at the University of Banja This report details the last 12 months’ activities related to wolf, 1 March 2017-15 February 2018 (351 and in Croatia. and prepared her diploma thesis: ‘The Luka for basic information on some lynx and bear research, conservation and management in Croatia, days), when we collected 149.72 work effects of supplementary feeding aspects of the field work on the lynx as well as international activities in Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, days. We continued capturing and Tomas Meijer, graduate student at on the body mass and population ecological studies. Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Poland, Austria, radio-tracking of wolves, bears and the University of Amsterdam, working demographics of the Eurasian brown Italy, Slovenia, Spain, and Ecuador. Project researchers were lynx, collection and examination of on a research project (internship) to bear (Ursus arctos arctos) in Croatia Josip Kusak gave two presentations often invited to teach their work on large carnivores in Croatia: dead carnivores and direct application build up some practical experience and Italy’. Later successfully defended at the International Conference on monitoring systems, emergency teams, trapping methods, health of our study results in management and broaden knowledge. it at the Royal Veterinary College, Wind Energy and Wildlife impacts in surveys, while Josip Kusak spent two months on a LC research and protection. University of London, UK. Estoril, Portugal. He also worked on a project in Turkey. Pavao Kusak, graduate student LC research project in eastern Turkey We also trained students, researchers of environmental sciences from Michael Schutle, earned his MS (Kars region) 15.05.2017 – 5.07.2017 In Croatia, considerable efforts were invested to collar new bears, and large carnivore management the Faculty of Sciences Zagreb, thesis at the University Bielefeld and 10.07.2017 – 26.07.2017, wolves and lynx – resulting in the collaring of two bears, two professionals from Italy, Germany, helping the continuation of the wolves and three lynx. Supported with other data obtained by Portugal, United Kingdom, Bosnia & seven year project that has produced different means, the evidence of wolf population stagnation at the Herzegovina and Bulgaria. seven scientific papers and numerous level same as during the last year was documented. This finding media and online contributions led to the important management decision not to allow any Project researchers were invited to about large carnivores, including hunting quota for wolves this year again. present project results in Montenegro, three documentaries (Turkish national Macedonia, Poland, Austria, Italy, TV, National Geographic and BBC Using trap cameras is an important and demanding task – data Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, productions). The achievements of the processing is always time-consuming. Three contracts for large Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, project are the main driving forces for carnivore research (one for each species of LC) in the Plitvice Ecuador and Romania and participated the establishing of the first wildlife Lakes National Park (PLNP) provided six in research project in Turkey. corridor in Turkey. GPS collars (two for each species of LC) for telemetry tracking, WORK OVERVIEW FIELD WORK free accommodation for field Project researchers spent time doing Josip Kusak and Michael Schulte spent work and the opportunity field work, checking cases of wolf 149.72 days on field work. Slaven to accept more students mortality, performing wolf necropsies, Reljić, PhD student and veterinarian, for field work participation/ participating in workshops and was contracted to work on the bear teaching during 2017. meetings related to research and part of our projects, spent 0.42 days, conservation of wolves and lynx in Tranquilized bear in Sarikamis forest, Eastern Turkey helping on the wolf and lynx work, Croatia and other countries. while Đuro Huber spent 0.12 days
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20-23 Croation update for print.indd 20 01/08/2018 10:25am 20-23 Croation update for print.indd 21 01/08/2018 10:25am on the field part of the project work lakes, with 1.4 million tourists yearly. will tell if it is a member of a pack or a when Josip Kusak was present. We believe that wolf packs were solitary disperser. mostly using quiet areas (military During 2017, wolf and lynx work in and land mine areas) during 2017. Just before the end of trapping PLNP and in Gorski kotar consisted of We also documented (by automatic season, on 30.10.2017, a male winter snow-tracking of wolves and cameras) rather intensive human use wolf pup was captured, also on the lynx and counting of wolves in packs of areas outside PLNP, where besides territory of Plješevica pack. Clearly, it in and around of PLNP area, searching logging operations, other touristic belonged to the Plješevica pack. It was for wolf signs, howling testing of activates occasionally happen. fitted with GPS-GSM-VHF collar too tracked packs, searching for wolf dens and tracked since then. and proof of wolf reproduction. We Wolf trapping in Plitvice Lakes did one aerial search for one dropped National Park (PLNP) Lynx trapping in Gorski kotar lynx collar this year too. Automatic First traps were set on 29.08.2017 Lynx trapping with box traps at cameras were used to check for the and activated on 14.09.2017. Traps marking sites is less demanding than presence of wolves in the area and to were active during six periods lasting wolf trapping since box traps are set document reproduction, presence of until 31.10.2017, so 47 days for at marking sites with available GSM other wild animals, primary lynx. capturing and collaring of wolves in signal. During the winter 2017-2018, PLNP. Traps were set on 36 different two lynx were collared in Gorski kotar, Searches for signs of wolf sites, targeting all three packs but only one captured in a box trap. and lynx presence previously recorded to use parts of During winter, spring, summer and PLNP area, but without recent signs of Lynx trapping in autumn of 2017, searching for signs wolf presence in the same area. Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) of wolf presence was done inside We moved one of box traps to new PLNP, for wolf tracks in three packs in Only five wolves visited traps, but two locations inside PLNP during the and around PLNP. The size of searched wolves were captured. One lynx was autumn of 2017. Lynx box traps were area was 603.6 km2, or almost twice captured in a wolf trap, one jackal, activated in PLNP area on 22.10.2017. the size of PLNP. However, very few one bear, one badger and three foxes. signs of wolves were found during The most numerous visitors to traps TELEMETRY TRACKING 2017, similar to the previous years. were martens, which visited our traps Wolf tracking on 30 occasions. Two newly collared wolves were Signs of wolf presence (footprints, tracked since collaring. From scats, howling, and scratch markings) Three days after the activation of 18.09.2017 to 29.10.2017, 167 were found on 11 occasions only, traps, a female wolf (age 2+ years, location attempts were made. 165 while two lynx signs were found mass 32 kg) was captured in the were successful. during the same period. For the territory of Plješevica pack. It was second year in a row, we did not equipped with GPS-GS-VHF collar and W32-Lika remained inside the find evidence of wolf reproduction named W32-Lika. Further tracking Plješevica pack territory, but also inside PLNP.
We were searching for wolf signs only in viable search areas. Around PLNP, there are three inaccessible areas. North of PLNP is one large (same size as PLNP) military training ground with forbidden access, west of PLNP is the area of Mala Kapela mountain still inaccessible due to land mines. At the east of PLNP, at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, is another military facility (Željava abandoned airport of Jugoslav army), where the access is also forbidden because of land mines around the airport. The study area has areas with intensive human use, which was already recorded during the previous years of the study: permanent settlements, roads, logging areas and in particular touristic area around
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20-23 Croation update for print.indd 22 01/08/2018 10:25am on the field part of the project work lakes, with 1.4 million tourists yearly. will tell if it is a member of a pack or a moved toward the north-west, outside intervention team for large carnivores, when Josip Kusak was present. We believe that wolf packs were solitary disperser. of the known territory of Plješevica media appearances and statements). mostly using quiet areas (military pack, reaching the Mala Kapela During 2017, wolf and lynx work in and land mine areas) during 2017. Just before the end of trapping minefi eld. One howling attempt We collected 400 wolf scat samples, PLNP and in Gorski kotar consisted of We also documented (by automatic season, on 30.10.2017, a male was without response, so it was expecting to get funding in 2018 to winter snow-tracking of wolves and cameras) rather intensive human use wolf pup was captured, also on the not sure if W32-Lika was alone or perform the genetic analyses and lynx and counting of wolves in packs of areas outside PLNP, where besides territory of Plješevica pack. Clearly, it with the pack. From 18.09.2017 to obtain the fi rst ever genetic count of Setting trap camera on bear trail in and around of PLNP area, searching logging operations, other touristic belonged to the Plješevica pack. It was 29.10.2017 (41 days), wolf W32-Lika in Malo duboko in Gorski Kotar wolves in Croatia! for wolf signs, howling testing of activates occasionally happen. fitted with GPS-GSM-VHF collar too was located 152 times, moving inside tracked packs, searching for wolf dens and tracked since then. the territory of Plješevica pack and Wolf numbers since the beginning and proof of wolf reproduction. We Wolf trapping in Plitvice Lakes inside PLNP, but also outside of PLNP FIELD WORK ON BEARS of the implementation of wolf did one aerial search for one dropped National Park (PLNP) Lynx trapping in Gorski kotar and outside Plješevca pack territory. Bear trapping in Plitvice Lakes management plan from 2005 was lynx collar this year too. Automatic First traps were set on 29.08.2017 Lynx trapping with box traps at Unfortunately, the signal and the National Park (PLNP) for the fi rst fi ve years positive and cameras were used to check for the and activated on 14.09.2017. Traps marking sites is less demanding than data of this wolf disappeared only Traps were set 2-21 May 2017. On 14 declined during the last fi ve years. presence of wolves in the area and to were active during six periods lasting wolf trapping since box traps are set 41 days after the collar deployment. different nights the traps were active The most serious drop happened in document reproduction, presence of until 31.10.2017, so 47 days for at marking sites with available GSM The last location was in the managed for 52 site/nights and 208 trap nights, 2014, with the number staying well other wild animals, primary lynx. capturing and collaring of wolves in signal. During the winter 2017-2018, forest and hunting area north-west of resulting in two bear captures/collared below 200. The negative trend in PLNP. Traps were set on 36 different two lynx were collared in Gorski kotar, PLNP. W32-Lika could also be a lone with GPS devices in the PLNP. wolf numbers and the presence of Searches for signs of wolf sites, targeting all three packs but only one captured in a box trap. disperser. illegal wolf killing presents two main and lynx presence previously recorded to use parts of Camera traps were used in PLNP area arguments against any legal quota on During winter, spring, summer and PLNP area, but without recent signs of Lynx trapping in W33-Krešo was tracked from for counting lynx, but also for the wolves in 2016 and 2017. autumn of 2017, searching for signs wolf presence in the same area. Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) 30.10.2017 to 22.02.2018 (115 days) determination of wolf presence, the of wolf presence was done inside We moved one of box traps to new and a total of 1067 locations were activity of ungulates and humans. In 2018 the new (revised) Croatian PLNP, for wolf tracks in three packs in Only five wolves visited traps, but two locations inside PLNP during the collected. Soon after the capture, Cameras were set on the area of 156 wolf management plan is to be and around PLNP. The size of searched wolves were captured. One lynx was autumn of 2017. Lynx box traps were W33-Krešo had moved outside of PLNP km, inside PLNP. worked on. We expect to have a area was 603.6 km2, or almost twice captured in a wolf trap, one jackal, activated in PLNP area on 22.10.2017. and out of Croatia, to neighboring major role in that process. the size of PLNP. However, very few one bear, one badger and three foxes. B&H, straight to the abandoned area WOLF MORTALITY signs of wolves were found during The most numerous visitors to traps TELEMETRY TRACKING of military airport, infested with land A mortality of 15 wolves was LYNX MANAGEMENT 2017, similar to the previous years. were martens, which visited our traps Wolf tracking mines and inaccessible to humans. It documented between 24.03.2017 The Croatian lynx management plan on 30 occasions. Two newly collared wolves were stayed in the area most of the time, and 7.03.2018. Prevailing causes will be revised in 2018. Also the LIFE Signs of wolf presence (footprints, tracked since collaring. From with occasional excursions along of death was still traffi c (n=9), then Lynx project started, so the increase scats, howling, and scratch markings) Three days after the activation of 18.09.2017 to 29.10.2017, 167 lower hills north-west of the ‘area of illegal killing (n=1) and intraspecifi c of activity on the lynx side will surely were found on 11 occasions only, traps, a female wolf (age 2+ years, location attempts were made. 165 residency’. Perhaps it has returned to strife. Illegal killing of wolves is still follow. while two lynx signs were found mass 32 kg) was captured in the were successful. the area where the pack was/is using present. during the same period. For the territory of Plješevica pack. It was during the last few years, since this second year in a row, we did not equipped with GPS-GS-VHF collar and W32-Lika remained inside the wolf is a pup seeking the safety of his BEAR MANAGEMENT For our work in 2017 UKWCT find evidence of wolf reproduction named W32-Lika. Further tracking Plješevica pack territory, but also natal pack. Đuro Huber and Slaven Reljić generously donated a total of 5,000 GBP (42,650.35 HRK, after inside PLNP. participated in the ‘Committee for conversion). The fund was spent Lynx tracking Bear Management in Croatia’. Based on fi eld work, car fuel and food We were searching for wolf signs Since the collars of L12-Burni-ZIP, on the upcoming genetic bear count, for fi eld workers with some minor only in viable search areas. Around L11-Čorak and L13-Stella stopped that the 2018 action plan will be expenses for the consumable PLNP, there are three inaccessible functioning prematurely and animals composed, including setting the equipment like receiver batteries areas. North of PLNP is one large ‘disappeared’, there was a need to hunting quota. and refi lling prepaid SIM cards for (same size as PLNP) military training search for them. Aerial search was trap alarms. Josip Kusak, Michael ground with forbidden access, west the best way to cover the whole The bear hunting quota for the year Schulte, and other volunteers of PLNP is the area of Mala Kapela Gorski kotar and Plitvice areas. The 2007 of 120 bears have been fully carried out the entire wolf and mountain still inaccessible due to land conclusion was that both animals accomplished plus 23 more bear lynx related fi eld work. mines. At the east of PLNP, at the were wearing non-functioning collars. mortality due to traffi c (12 railroad +5 border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, road) and intervention shooting (2+4). is another military facility (Željava Josip Kusak, Associate Professor abandoned airport of Jugoslav army), WOLF MANAGEMENT at the Department of Biology at the where the access is also forbidden Đuro Huber and Josip Kusak continue University of Zagreb because of land mines around the to participate in large carnivores airport. The study area has areas management through the work in with intensive human use, which was the ‘Committee for Large Carnivores already recorded during the previous in Croatia’ and through various years of the study: permanent other activities (organising and settlements, roads, logging areas and Captured and collared lynx in implementing monitoring, giving Sarikamis Forest (Turkey) in particular touristic area around courses for damage inspectors and
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20-23 Croation update for print.indd 22 01/08/2018 10:25am 20-23 Croation update for print.indd 23 01/08/2018 10:25am All photos by Gavin Bonsen
Wolves in the Southern Levant: Is it safe to get used to humans?
In the Southern Levant region of the Middle East, number of leopards are thought to the living situation for wolves varies across an intricate exist in the country’s southern deserts, mosaic of contrasting conditions, based on various but the likelihood of the population surviving is sadly far from a reality. human attitudes and landscape use. Another large carnivore – the striped hyena – remains, but is primarily a scavenger.
Today, with little competition from introduced these conditions and The Southern Levant includes Israel, other natural predators, wolves their infl uence on wolf populations Jordan and Palestine; a geopolitically prosper in areas with considerable Iin issue 61, conceptualised as tense region where ideals of the local protection and adequate access to a ‘landscape of fear’ made up of peoples can differ signifi cantly across resources. Israel’s governing body varying degrees of risk towards both and within country borders. Until in charge of nature and wildlife, the humans and wolves. For the last year recently, wolves in this region shared Israel Nature and Parks Authority and a half, I have been monitoring their roles as apex predators with two (INPA), are very active in providing the movement and behaviour of big cats: the Asiatic cheetah and the safety for wolves – albeit only in wolves in this region and studying Arabian leopard. Cheetahs have now certain jurisdictions. Wolves in the their interactions with humans, other been absent for over half a century, region must be very careful about the predators and prey across this diverse, but leopards had been spotted in directions and distances they choose severely human-affected landscape. Israel up until a decade ago. A small to wander and the kinds of people
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24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 24 01/08/2018 10:26am All photos by Gavin Bonsen
that are safe to get used to. Actually, in certain parts of Israel, wolves have become almost completely habituated to humans, rarely travelling more than a few kilometres from human settlements.
On the border of Israel and Syria, the hilly pine forests and grasslands of the Golan Heights would seem the ideal setting for a grey wolf. High in elevation, with a temperate Mediterranean climate; snow covers the ground in winter while the summer heat is bearable compared to the deserts in the south. Mountain gazelle and wild boar – among the wolves’ favourite prey species – are also common. With this combination of environmental conditions, one would expect the Golan to be prime real estate for a wolf. However, wolves in the Golan are forced to live in fear, but not from the region’s geopolitical tensions. In fact, the Golan’s minefields are possibly the Wolves in the safest strongholds that the predators Southern Levant: are offered. Is it safe to get used to humans? free from human pressures. Today, with little Once outside, they run the risk of being shot. competition from other In the Southern Levant region of the Middle East, number of leopards are thought to the living situation for wolves varies across an intricate exist in the country’s southern deserts, On the other end of the ‘habitat- natural predators, wolves mosaic of contrasting conditions, based on various but the likelihood of the population suitability spectrum’, a hyper- prosper in areas with surviving is sadly far from a reality. arid desert is not the most likely human attitudes and landscape use. Another large carnivore – the striped environment one would imagine considerable protection hyena – remains, but is primarily a as ideal habitat for grey wolves. scavenger. However, Israel’s Arava Valley possibly and adequate access to holds the most flourishing wolf resources.” Today, with little competition from In efforts to appease livestock population across the entire Middle introduced these conditions and The Southern Levant includes Israel, other natural predators, wolves farmers, the Golan Heights has been East, with wolf numbers estimated to their infl uence on wolf populations Jordan and Palestine; a geopolitically prosper in areas with considerable demarcated into three management be in the hundreds. The valley is the Iin issue 61, conceptualised as tense region where ideals of the local protection and adequate access to zones, with a goal to lower the wolf lowest place on Earth in altitude and protection laws, affording wolves a ‘landscape of fear’ made up of peoples can differ signifi cantly across resources. Israel’s governing body population in core agricultural areas. is home to a unique subspecies of almost complete safety from varying degrees of risk towards both and within country borders. Until in charge of nature and wildlife, the Being among the greenest parts of grey wolf that has adapted to the persecution. Rare exceptions include humans and wolves. For the last year recently, wolves in this region shared Israel Nature and Parks Authority the entire Southern Levant, free- extreme heat and aridity of the Middle isolated incidents of illegal poisoning and a half, I have been monitoring their roles as apex predators with two (INPA), are very active in providing range livestock farming is a common Eastern deserts: the Arabian wolf in the Negev’s sparse patches of the movement and behaviour of big cats: the Asiatic cheetah and the safety for wolves – albeit only in occurrence. Owing to the perceived (Canis lupus arabs). free-range livestock herding. Rangers wolves in this region and studying Arabian leopard. Cheetahs have now certain jurisdictions. Wolves in the threat of livestock depredation, wolves often decline farmers’ requests to self- their interactions with humans, other been absent for over half a century, region must be very careful about the are systematically shot by farmers In the Arava and adjacent Negev manage ‘problem jackals’ as they fear predators and prey across this diverse, but leopards had been spotted in directions and distances they choose and INPA rangers in large parts of the Highlands, vigilant INPA rangers the indiscriminate control methods severely human-affected landscape. Israel up until a decade ago. A small to wander and the kinds of people Golan. Inside a minefield, wolves are strictly enforce the country’s wildlife of the farmers would pose a threat
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24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 24 01/08/2018 10:26am 24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 25 01/08/2018 10:27am to the local wolf population. Still, as are usually pilfered from the ground. wolves are unwanted by local farmers, On top of this, livestock are kept There is no doubt they show a higher level of vigilance in enclosed and safe from predation. that the pioneering areas with free-ranging livestock. The little conflict that exists between wolves and farmers is usually caused agricultural practices in In other parts of the desert, wolves by damage to irrigation pipes as have become so accustomed to these have become the primary the Arava have facilitated human habitation that they spend the source of drinking water for wolves. the success of the majority of their time foraging around Many farmers now recognise that agricultural settlements. Prey densities wildlife can’t be blamed for such region’s wolf population.” are low in this arid environment, damage as most of the natural springs driving wolves to search for food have become dry as a result of the elsewhere. As a result, Israel’s desert agriculture. Thus, many have resolved wolves are largely omnivorous, getting this issue by allowing a pipe to drip of 2017, ten encounters between much of their nutrition from rubbish over a bucket of water, offering wolves and humans were reported in scraps and organic produce such as wildlife constant access to drinking one small area by the western shore dates, melons and peppers. water. of the Dead Sea in Israel. Tourists camping inside a nature reserve and There is no doubt that the pioneering Of course, this habituation to visiting the nearby village would often agricultural practices in the Arava have humans can undoubtedly bring many intentionally feed wolves or leave facilitated the success of the region’s dangers. With wolves considering scraps at campsites within the reserve. wolf population. Food is provided humans as an important food source, Unsurprisingly, wolves that became to wolves with little adversity; crop aggressive encounters have become comfortable with approaching damage is minimal as fruit and scraps an occurrence. During the latter half humans found themselves in situations where unlucky people were bitten – though perhaps even more unlucky were the wolves that inevitably took the blame and were removed. An uproar ensued, with some locals suggesting the entire wolf population be eradicated. Fortunately, as Israel is quite conservation-minded, education around the importance and hazards of nature has intensified and the wolves are being left alone to a large degree.
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24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 26 01/08/2018 10:27am to the local wolf population. Still, as are usually pilfered from the ground. wolves are unwanted by local farmers, On top of this, livestock are kept There is no doubt they show a higher level of vigilance in enclosed and safe from predation. that the pioneering areas with free-ranging livestock. The little conflict that exists between wolves and farmers is usually caused agricultural practices in In other parts of the desert, wolves by damage to irrigation pipes as have become so accustomed to these have become the primary the Arava have facilitated human habitation that they spend the source of drinking water for wolves. the success of the majority of their time foraging around Many farmers now recognise that agricultural settlements. Prey densities wildlife can’t be blamed for such region’s wolf population.” are low in this arid environment, damage as most of the natural springs driving wolves to search for food have become dry as a result of the elsewhere. As a result, Israel’s desert agriculture. Thus, many have resolved wolves are largely omnivorous, getting this issue by allowing a pipe to drip of 2017, ten encounters between much of their nutrition from rubbish over a bucket of water, offering wolves and humans were reported in scraps and organic produce such as wildlife constant access to drinking one small area by the western shore dates, melons and peppers. water. of the Dead Sea in Israel. Tourists camping inside a nature reserve and There is no doubt that the pioneering Of course, this habituation to visiting the nearby village would often agricultural practices in the Arava have humans can undoubtedly bring many intentionally feed wolves or leave facilitated the success of the region’s dangers. With wolves considering scraps at campsites within the reserve. wolf population. Food is provided humans as an important food source, Unsurprisingly, wolves that became to wolves with little adversity; crop aggressive encounters have become comfortable with approaching damage is minimal as fruit and scraps an occurrence. During the latter half humans found themselves in situations where unlucky people were bitten – though perhaps even more unlucky were the wolves that inevitably took the blame and were removed. An uproar ensued, with some locals suggesting the entire wolf population be eradicated. Fortunately, as Israel is quite conservation-minded, predator conflict is low, wolves appear education around the importance and comfortable and confident around hazards of nature has intensified and human habitation. Where wolves the wolves are being left alone are perceived as threatening, they to a large degree. respond to adversity by increasing their vigilance. Nevertheless, Israel’s Arabian wolves conservation is also growing in Jordan, don’t need to travel far to become at however, it is yet to become a priority. This appears clear for wolves as a risk of persecution. The Israel-Jordan With things as they stand, one step whole across the landscape. However, border transects the entire length of across the border from Israel, wolves it would be interesting to see if an the Arava, from the Dead Sea in the are again at risk of persecution. individual wolf is able to distinguish north to the Red Sea in the south. In between ‘friendly’ and ‘unfriendly’ Jordan, free-range livestock farming Of course, it is important for wildlife people and adjust its behaviour is common; shepherds travel for days and humans to find a comfortable accordingly. A wolf’s home range on end without securely protecting coexistence. It is also important that will often cover a range of different their flocks. Naturally, large predators each recognise the dangers of the human conditions; is this wolf able like wolves can significantly impact other. For the time being, wolves to understand whether it is welcomed these shepherds’ livelihoods through in the Southern Levant need to be or not by the people? livestock loss. Needless to say, wolves careful about the people they choose are considered a threat and are to coexist with. Where human- Gavin Bonsen viewed with great hostility. Views around wolves being nasty killers that endanger human lives are also commonplace. Such beliefs were once Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney, common throughout the wolf’s global Australia. Gavin is a doctoral candidate and the first-ever recipient of JNF distribution, but public education has Australia’s Arava-Finkel Scholarship dramatically shifted these perceptions. Fortunately, education around nature http://www.compassionateconservation.uts.edu.au/
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24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 26 01/08/2018 10:27am 24-27 Wolves in Levant for print.indd 27 01/08/2018 10:27am Cross-species Communication
Wolves communicate with each other through sound, scent and body language. But what about with other species?
hen two predators meet, but a recent Cambridge University not all parties will emerge study on wolf howls also discovered W unscathed, but this was not that the “dialect” used by red wolves the case in these incredible stories. was very similar to that of coyotes. Classifi ed as “type three”- high and In his book A Wolf Named Romeo, whining – the howl of both species Nick Jans tells of a wolf who sounded alike, and this could help befriended the dogs and townsfolk of explain why they were cross-breeding. Juneau, Alaska. When the wolf fi rst approached Nick and his wife Sherrie, Survival can also encourage cross- one winter day in 2003, their labrador species communication. Although charged towards it. Expecting the fatalities between bears and wolves are worst, Nick and his wife were low, and the two animals prefer to astounded when, after a brief sniff, avoid each other, photographer Lassi both canines parted ways peacefully. A Rautiainen was nonetheless surprised week later, a skier was out in the snow at what he saw in Finland in 2013. A with her dog, and the wolf once again young she-wolf and male brown bear bounded up. This time, both animals were not only seen sharing prey, but began to play, and over time, the wolf meeting up with one another every was nicknamed “Romeo” for his night to wrestle and play. Wolves are fl irtatious body language with the of course social animals, and although other dogs. Over the next six years, bears are seen as solitary, they Romeo came and went, frolicking with occasionally have alliances with other the dogs while still keeping his distance sub-adults to catch prey, which may from the humans. have opened the way to their friendship. Due to competition for food and territory, dogs and wolves do not In each of these stories, wolves and usually tolerate each other, and other species were able to coyotes even less so. Except in the case communicate their intention to play or of the red wolf, where the results are breed, despite both sides usually being just as disconcerting. evasive, or at worst, antagonistic. There are certainly upsides to being an One reason this species is under threat intelligent and social animal! is interbreeding with them. This could be because of too few potential mates, Jessica Jacobs
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28-29 Cross Communication for print.indd 28 01/08/2018 10:29am Cross-species © 2018 Shan Ahmed Communication
Wolves communicate with each other through sound, scent and body language. But what about with other species?
hen two predators meet, but a recent Cambridge University not all parties will emerge study on wolf howls also discovered W unscathed, but this was not that the “dialect” used by red wolves the case in these incredible stories. was very similar to that of coyotes. Classifi ed as “type three”- high and In his book A Wolf Named Romeo, whining – the howl of both species Nick Jans tells of a wolf who sounded alike, and this could help befriended the dogs and townsfolk of explain why they were cross-breeding. Juneau, Alaska. When the wolf fi rst approached Nick and his wife Sherrie, Survival can also encourage cross- one winter day in 2003, their labrador species communication. Although charged towards it. Expecting the fatalities between bears and wolves are worst, Nick and his wife were low, and the two animals prefer to astounded when, after a brief sniff, avoid each other, photographer Lassi both canines parted ways peacefully. A Rautiainen was nonetheless surprised week later, a skier was out in the snow at what he saw in Finland in 2013. A with her dog, and the wolf once again young she-wolf and male brown bear SOURCES bounded up. This time, both animals were not only seen sharing prey, but began to play, and over time, the wolf meeting up with one another every Alacchi, Alexandre. 2016. “Wolf species have ‘howling dialects’”. University of Cambridge. http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/ was nicknamed “Romeo” for his night to wrestle and play. Wolves are news/wolf-species-have-howling-dialects fl irtatious body language with the of course social animals, and although Chen, Daryl.N.d. “There was once a wolf who loved too much. And what happened to him was a crime.” https://www. other dogs. Over the next six years, bears are seen as solitary, they rd.com/true-stories/love/romeo-wolf-who-loved-too-much/ Romeo came and went, frolicking with occasionally have alliances with other Holland, Jennifer S. 2013. “Competing hunters turn friends? Wolf and bear share dinner at sunset.” https://blog. the dogs while still keeping his distance sub-adults to catch prey, which may nationalgeographic.org/2013/10/09/competing-hunters-turn-friends-wolf-and-bear-share-dinner-at-sunset/ from the humans. have opened the way to their Puiu, Tibi. 2016. “Wolves seem to have howl ‘dialects’ - might help unravel origin of human speech.” https://www. friendship. zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/wolves-howl-dialects/# Due to competition for food and Serveheen, Christopher W., and Knight, Ricard R. 1990. “Possible effects of a restored wolf population on grizzly bears in territory, dogs and wolves do not In each of these stories, wolves and the Yellowstone area.” In “Wolves for Yellowstone? A Report to the United States Congress. https://archive.org/stream/ usually tolerate each other, and other species were able to wolvesforyellows01varl/wolvesforyellows01varl_djvu.txt coyotes even less so. Except in the case communicate their intention to play or Stonorov, Derek. 2000. “Bear behaviour.” http://www.bearsmart.com/about-bears/behaviour/ of the red wolf, where the results are breed, despite both sides usually being Swancer, Brent. 2015. “Odd couples of the animal world: When mortal enemies become friends.” http://mysteriousuniverse. just as disconcerting. evasive, or at worst, antagonistic. org/2015/12/odd-couples-of-the-animal-world-when-mortal-enemies-become-friends/ There are certainly upsides to being an One reason this species is under threat intelligent and social animal! Worrall, Simon. 2015. “How a wolf named Romeo won hearts in an Alaska suburb.” is interbreeding with them. This could https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150322-romeo-wolf-dog-animals-wildlife-alaska-ngbooktalk/ be because of too few potential mates, Jessica Jacobs Yellowstone Staff. 2011. “Yellowstone wolf and coyote: Brothers that don’t get along.” https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/brothers-that-dont-get-along
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28-29 Cross Communication for print.indd 28 01/08/2018 10:29am 28-29 Cross Communication for print.indd 29 01/08/2018 10:29am Looking out from Moskey Basin Campground on Isle Royale National Park © Shutterstock WOLVES OF THE WORLD The Future of Wolves on Isle Royale
ou may remember the article Park Service (NPS) announced that their main food source till there is I wrote in issue 59 (2016) about it had decided to restore the wolf not enough food left to sustain the Y the future of the wolves on population on Isle Royale, but they population. Without suffi cient food, Isle Royale, in Michigan – part of Isle had yet to receive a signed Record of combined with the possibility of future Royale National Park. Researchers Decision (ROD), nor had they received harsh winters, the population will carried out the 57th annual winter a projected timetable for the wolf starve and eventually collapse. study of wolves and moose on the reintroduced. island during late January to early Wolves have been present on the Isle March in 2015. Between January On June 7, 2018 the NPS announced Royale for more than 65 years. David 2014 and January 2015, the wolf that they had released a ROD to Mech has told Wolf Print exclusively: population had decreased from nine introduce wolves at Isle Royale wolves down to three. At the time I National Park. It was announced “The Isle Royale wolf-moose study has wrote the article it was believed that that around 20-30 wolves would be provided much valuable and varied only two were left. According to the reintroduced to Isle Royale over the information about wolf ecology. Thus 2017-2018 annual report there were next three to fi ve years. This number is from a scientifi c standpoint, the value indeed still two wolves on the island, expected to have an immediate effect of a wolf reintroduction to the island, the lowest ever recorded since the on the island’s moose population. now that the current population is studies began back in 1959. These There have been fears that without bound for extinction, would be very two remaining wolves are believed an apex predator such as the wolf, valuable.” to be a nine-year-old male and a the moose population could double seven-year-old female pair which are in the next four to fi ve years. With a Only time will tell of course if the very closely related to one another as booming ungulate population and reintroduction will be successful, but father-daughter, that both shared the no natural predator to bring down at least something is being planned same mother and therefore are also their numbers, there is the risk that to create a new and healthy wolf half-siblings. Without intervention the there will be a large forest/vegetation population on the island. wolf population will go into extinction loss across the island. This could onto the island. have a major impact on the island’s Francesca Macilroy ecosystem. With such large numbers At the time of writing their 2017- of moose on Isle Royale, without 2018 annual report, The National intervention they are likely to eat
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30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 30 01/08/2018 10:30am Looking out from Moskey Basin Campground on Isle Royale National Park © Shutterstock WOLVES OF THE WORLD
© Shutterstock The Future of Wolves on Isle Royale
ou may remember the article Park Service (NPS) announced that their main food source till there is I wrote in issue 59 (2016) about it had decided to restore the wolf not enough food left to sustain the Y the future of the wolves on population on Isle Royale, but they population. Without suffi cient food, Isle Royale, in Michigan – part of Isle had yet to receive a signed Record of combined with the possibility of future Royale National Park. Researchers Decision (ROD), nor had they received harsh winters, the population will carried out the 57th annual winter a projected timetable for the wolf starve and eventually collapse. study of wolves and moose on the reintroduced. island during late January to early Wolves have been present on the Isle March in 2015. Between January On June 7, 2018 the NPS announced Royale for more than 65 years. David 2014 and January 2015, the wolf that they had released a ROD to Mech has told Wolf Print exclusively: population had decreased from nine introduce wolves at Isle Royale wolves down to three. At the time I National Park. It was announced “The Isle Royale wolf-moose study has wrote the article it was believed that that around 20-30 wolves would be provided much valuable and varied only two were left. According to the reintroduced to Isle Royale over the information about wolf ecology. Thus 2017-2018 annual report there were next three to fi ve years. This number is from a scientifi c standpoint, the value Rock Harbor Lighthouse, Isle Royale National Park © Shutterstock indeed still two wolves on the island, expected to have an immediate effect of a wolf reintroduction to the island, the lowest ever recorded since the on the island’s moose population. now that the current population is studies began back in 1959. These There have been fears that without bound for extinction, would be very two remaining wolves are believed an apex predator such as the wolf, valuable.” Moose skull © Shutterstock to be a nine-year-old male and a the moose population could double seven-year-old female pair which are in the next four to fi ve years. With a Only time will tell of course if the very closely related to one another as booming ungulate population and reintroduction will be successful, but father-daughter, that both shared the no natural predator to bring down at least something is being planned same mother and therefore are also their numbers, there is the risk that to create a new and healthy wolf References half-siblings. Without intervention the there will be a large forest/vegetation population on the island. wolf population will go into extinction loss across the island. This could http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/sites/default/fi les/annual-report-pdf/wolf%20moose%20annual%20report%202018.pdf onto the island. have a major impact on the island’s Francesca Macilroy https://www.popsci.com/national-park-wolves ecosystem. With such large numbers At the time of writing their 2017- of moose on Isle Royale, without https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/news/press-release-national-park-service-releases-record-of-decision-to-introduce-wolves- 2018 annual report, The National intervention they are likely to eat at-isle-royale-national-park.htm
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30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 30 01/08/2018 10:30am 30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 31 01/08/2018 10:31am TAL_Chohan WOLVES OF THE WORLD
A Conversation in Conservation
In April, guest speakers Esther Conway and Crissie Constantinou from WildCats Conservation Alliance came to talk to a full house about tigers and Amur leopards.
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30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 32 01/08/2018 10:31am TAL_Chohan
ildCats, a programme of population numbers. Snow tracking the Zoological Society of tiger footprints added an additional W London in partnership with element to monitoring in the Russian Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation, Far East and the teams were able to provides grants to conservation plot long distance movement on maps projects across Asia. We heard how to get an idea of movement across the tigers in the wild now number fewer winter months. than 4,000 and face threats from poaching, habitat destruction, disease The speakers left us under no illusion and confl ict. Amur leopards, though that the survival of the tigers and the population was on the increase, Amur leopards were on a knife edge counted fewer than 100 individuals. and confl ict between humans and WOLVES OF THE WORLD These leopards shared an area of tiger tigers, whether in the Russian Far habitat in the far east of Russian. East, Sumatra or Nepal, was on the WildCats’ conservation priorities are increase. WildCats Conservation themed around these threats and Alliance are galvanising support to focus on anti-poaching, population raise more money to provide a future monitoring, wildlife health, confl ict for these key umbrella species. mitigation and education. Thank you to everyone who attended this event for making it so successful. The story of wild Amur tigers rescued from confl ict and released after rehabilitation which went on to have two litters of cubs showed successful intervention was possible. Beautiful but inhospitable and inaccessible landscapes in Sumatra were the location of a conservation project that carried out wildlife crime investigations, as well as anti-poaching patrols in the second largest protected area in Indonesia. This long-term project has seen a reduction of snare placement in the heart of the forest to Amur leopard camera trap image © WCS levels not seen since 2008. Population monitoring in Nepal, India and Russia took on similar aspects with camera trapping used to get an idea of
Field trip rest stop. Bhutan side of transboundary tiger monitoring A Conversation project. © Aaranyak
in Conservation Sumatran tiger © KSNP/FFI/Panthera
In April, guest speakers Esther Conway and Crissie Constantinou from WildCats Conservation Alliance came to talk to a full house about tigers and Amur leopards. www.conservewildcats.org
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30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 32 01/08/2018 10:31am 30-33 Wolves of the world for print.indd 33 01/08/2018 10:31am Julie’s Wolf Pack Jean Craighead George Read the Published by HarperCollins PB 208pp RRP £4.43 ISBN-13: 978-0064407212 trilogy… MAKING TRACKS to the pack. She would respond with stay away all is well. When she visited the pack she was greeted as his half-sister and then used all her wolf body language to retain her bond with the pack, so whenever she howled to warn them of danger they understood and reacted.
Kapu has now taken over the Avalik pack with his mate Aaka after the death of his father. Kapu is strong but inexperienced and he has to face many challenges for leadership from Rawbone, an alpha male that had joined them from another pack and taken Kapu’s mother Silver as his mate. Rival packs, disease, famine and humans test the young alpha, as he final book in the trilogy is his power in the pack grows and he told from the Avalik Wolf Pack’s becomes more confident. Tperspective. The pack saved the life of Inuit girl Miyax (Julie) when Against Kapu’s orders Silver has cubs, she was lost on the Arctic tundra, but because she is weak from lack welcoming her into their pack and of food she cannot produce enough teaching her all they knew. In return, milk, so the last two cubs are dying. she led them to a new source of food The pack allows Julie to take them and protected them from the hunters to rear at home, leaving Kapu and of her village. The Inuits called them the pack wondering whether they ‘Julie’s wolf pack’. This is a powerful will ever return. A neighbouring story about the loving bond between pack harbours rabies and a female wolf and human, drawing you so carrier joins the Avalik pack despite realistically into the magical world Kapu sensing something is wrong of the wolf that, as you read, you – a strange sweet smell surrounds become part of it and see the world her. Can Julie persuade her pack to through a wolf’s eyes. be inoculated in time to save them? Months later an even bigger danger Julie’s life is about to change as her threatens Kapu that will change the relationship with her friend Peter life of the pack forever. progresses and she once more has to battle to save her beloved wolf pack. The story has a poignant but Kapu, the young wolf Julie nursed realistic ending. For people that love back to health on the Arctic tundra, wolves, the trilogy is a must for their remembers his parents nurturing bookshelf and is certainly suitable for the lost girl-pup who had learnt to early teens to learn about the Inuit speak wolf: posturing, howling and culture and how wolves live whimpering whilst sharing his food and survive in the wild. and play. He would often stop out of sight of her home to call her back Wendy Brooker
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34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 34 01/08/2018 10:32am Julie’s Wolf Pack The Wisdom of Wolves: Read the Jean Craighead George Lessons from the Sawtooth Pack Published by HarperCollins PB 208pp RRP £4.43 ISBN-13: 978-0064407212 trilogy… Jim & Jamie Dutcher Published by National Geographic
MAKING TRACKS Hardback 224pp RRP £16.99 ISBN-13: 978-1426218866 to the pack. She would respond with stay away all is well. When she visited the pack she was im and Jamie Dutcher take you feel their own emotions, thoughts and greeted as his half-sister and then on an incredible and fascinating feelings. used all her wolf body language Jjourney in A Wisdom of Wolves. to retain her bond with the pack, This book is not only a personal What I loved about The Wisdom of so whenever she howled to warn reflection on their lives but also the Wolves is the incredible detail that them of danger they understood lives of the Sawtooth Wolf Pack who the Dutchers go into when describing and reacted. they lived with for six years. the wolves’ behaviours and their interactions with each other. Jim and Kapu has now taken over the Both Jim and Jamie have a beautiful Jamie show us the lessons and values Avalik pack with his mate Aaka writing style that enables you to that they learned from the Sawtooth after the death of his father. Kapu forget that you’re reading a book but Pack as they observed their behaviour is strong but inexperienced and rather has the effect that they are on a daily basis. he has to face many challenges sitting down with you, having a cup for leadership from Rawbone, an of coffee, and there you are enjoying Throughout, you see the compassion them. A truly exceptional book and alpha male that had joined them the stories they have to tell about that the wolves have for their pack great insight into the life of a wolf from another pack and taken the Sawtooth Pack. In this book the mates, wolf and human alike. See pack. I highly recommend this book to Kapu’s mother Silver as his mate. chapters are written alternately by Jim how they watch out for each other, anyone who has an interest in wolves. Rival packs, disease, famine and and Jamie, allowing their own voice and even experience grief when they humans test the young alpha, as to flow throughout, allowing you to lose a pack mate and how it affects Francesca Macilroy he final book in the trilogy is his power in the pack grows and he told from the Avalik Wolf Pack’s becomes more confident. Tperspective. The pack saved the life of Inuit girl Miyax (Julie) when Against Kapu’s orders Silver has cubs, she was lost on the Arctic tundra, but because she is weak from lack welcoming her into their pack and of food she cannot produce enough The Rise of Wolves teaching her all they knew. In return, milk, so the last two cubs are dying. she led them to a new source of food The pack allows Julie to take them Kerr Thomson and protected them from the hunters to rear at home, leaving Kapu and Published by Chicken House of her village. The Inuits called them the pack wondering whether they PB 304pp RRP £6.99 ISBN-13: 978-1911077695 ‘Julie’s wolf pack’. This is a powerful will ever return. A neighbouring story about the loving bond between pack harbours rabies and a female hy have wolves mysteriously succeeds is incredible and will mean wolf and human, drawing you so carrier joins the Avalik pack despite appeared on the Scottish that he will never have to worry about realistically into the magical world Kapu sensing something is wrong Wisland of Nin? Or indeed, the island again, or fret that he and his of the wolf that, as you read, you – a strange sweet smell surrounds have they? Nothing is what it first poorly grandfather will have to leave. In become part of it and see the world her. Can Julie persuade her pack to appears in this pacy Scottish adventure admirably realistic dialogue, we also see through a wolf’s eyes. be inoculated in time to save them? story as Innis and his best friend Kat young teen hero challenge the feisty, Months later an even bigger danger race to save their beloved island from unapproachable young Lachlan and Julie’s life is about to change as her threatens Kapu that will change the the encroach of wind turbines and continually ask him the truth behind his relationship with her friend Peter life of the pack forever. the subsequent light pollution that uncle’s wildlife sanctuary. progresses and she once more has to will invariably follow. Clearly there is battle to save her beloved wolf pack. The story has a poignant but a passion for Nin, but who is going The wolves are beautifully drawn – Kapu, the young wolf Julie nursed realistic ending. For people that love further and sabotaging the workman’s mysterious, ephemeral and strangely example, what parent would ever allow back to health on the Arctic tundra, wolves, the trilogy is a must for their equipment? heroic. When you discover why they their son to intentionally risk his life, remembers his parents nurturing bookshelf and is certainly suitable for are really there, you may develop even where there is so much at stake? the lost girl-pup who had learnt to early teens to learn about the Inuit I cannot reveal too much of the plot or I goosebumps. It’s an immensely But it is a very accurate portrait of how speak wolf: posturing, howling and culture and how wolves live would spoil the surprises, but ultimately satisfying book for young teens that teenagers interact, how they face risk, whimpering whilst sharing his food and survive in the wild. our main protagonist feels forced to entwines mythology, history, the love reward and the bonds of friendship. and play. He would often stop out take on a dangerous challenge that of wildness and nature. There may be of sight of her home to call her back Wendy Brooker could cost him his life. The prize if he the odd dramatic licence or two – for Julia Bohanna
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34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 34 01/08/2018 10:32am 34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 35 01/08/2018 10:32am Finding Hope and MAKING TRACKS Healing in Wolfdogs Interview with Ozzie Cabral, co-founder of Song of The Wolf Healing Center in Colorado
All pictures by Song of the Wolf Healing Center
How and why did you start wolves and wolfdogs comes from the Currently our inclusion criteria is that Song of the Wolf? private sector. Owning wolfdogs and they should be high content wolfdogs having friends who own them. Mary (so 80% or higher content). We see Mary Ann McCain and I (Ozzie) met Ann worked and lived in a sanctuary. so many sanctuaries and rescues with about three years ago. We both low content animals that could be work in mental health/addiction Why specifically the wolf? What adopted out and are taking the place treatment and met at a treatment has the animal always meant to of a high content animal that will centre. Realising that we had worked you? Do you house wolves as well be euthanised because there is no with wolfdogs previously (I have as wolfdogs? What is the mix? placement. We want to make sure we owned wolfdogs and she worked at can provide placement for that high a sanctuary), we both had a desire For me, I am indigenous and my content animal. to start a rescue/sanctuary that could native roots tell me that I am a relative somehow be incorporated into of the wolf. I see them as my relatives What initial reaction did you mental health/addiction work. We who have been marginalised, killed receive from people – positive or started talking and things just started off and misrepresented. I grew up negative? happening. learning about the importance and significance of wolves and have held So far we have only had positive What are your backgrounds? them as sacred animals. reactions. People are excited about I have worked in mental health/ Song of the Wolf, about our mission, addiction treatment since 2002 and We only house wolfdogs. However, the land, as well as our hope to Mary Ann has worked in the field if we get a licence for a pure wolf we integrate therapeutic services with since the 80’s. My experience with will definitely house them as well. some of our animals. The mental
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34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 36 01/08/2018 10:32am Finding Hope and MAKING TRACKS Healing in Wolfdogs Interview with Ozzie Cabral, co-founder of Song of The Wolf Healing Center in Colorado
down what you’ve told yourself or learned from others about wolves and wolfdogs and what is true and false, then write down things that you’ve told yourself or others have told you about who YOU are and now what is true and what’s false, etc… different All pictures by Song of the Wolf Healing Center exercises like that.
How and why did you start wolves and wolfdogs comes from the Currently our inclusion criteria is that health and addictions community has need to strengthen. The client then What plan do you have for the Song of the Wolf? private sector. Owning wolfdogs and they should be high content wolfdogs embraced us and many treatment has to pay attention to a different future? having friends who own them. Mary (so 80% or higher content). We see centres have had their clients come form of communication. They have Mary Ann McCain and I (Ozzie) met Ann worked and lived in a sanctuary. so many sanctuaries and rescues with up to Song of the Wolf to help build to pay attention to the animal and We want to build two more enclosures about three years ago. We both low content animals that could be enclosures, place dig guards and help communicate in a different way. then stop. We don’t want to be a work in mental health/addiction Why specifically the wolf? What adopted out and are taking the place out with what we need done. It’s This brings awareness to their own very big rescue and really only want treatment and met at a treatment has the animal always meant to of a high content animal that will been great! communication styles and how their 10 to 12 animals. We will incorporate centre. Realising that we had worked you? Do you house wolves as well be euthanised because there is no body language plays a part of that. As more native beliefs and ceremonies with wolfdogs previously (I have as wolfdogs? What is the mix? placement. We want to make sure we How does the healing work and well as what needs to be changed for into Song of the Wolf and really work owned wolfdogs and she worked at can provide placement for that high what kind of people can you help? effective communication. For some with the indigenous population. We’re a sanctuary), we both had a desire For me, I am indigenous and my content animal. reason, the animals will come to the hoping to build a sweat lodge on the to start a rescue/sanctuary that could native roots tell me that I am a relative It starts with a discussion of people who are vulnerable and/or are property and then let the universe do somehow be incorporated into of the wolf. I see them as my relatives What initial reaction did you the importance of wolves, their holding trauma. Once that happens, it’s work and move us in the direction mental health/addiction work. We who have been marginalised, killed receive from people – positive or contribution to the ecology and how we see a catharsis of emotions that we are supposed to be. Our plan started talking and things just started off and misrepresented. I grew up negative? they are being killed off. We then give from the person. We then hold a is to trust the universe to guide us and happening. learning about the importance and a tour of the facility as well as a safety therapeutic session and/or debrief the to always try to do what’s best for the significance of wolves and have held So far we have only had positive lecture/orientation. We will take a experience. animals FIRST. What are your backgrounds? them as sacred animals. reactions. People are excited about small group into the enclosure and do I have worked in mental health/ Song of the Wolf, about our mission, some mindfulness practice. The clients We also have a lot of exercises that we www.songofthewolf.org addiction treatment since 2002 and We only house wolfdogs. However, the land, as well as our hope to have to be very mindful, present and do. Examples are: paying attention to Mary Ann has worked in the field if we get a licence for a pure wolf we integrate therapeutic services with aware which is something they are dynamics of the pack and identifying since the 80’s. My experience with will definitely house them as well. some of our animals. The mental unfamiliar with and a practice they your own family dynamics; writing Interview by Julia Bohanna
36 | Wolf Print Summer 2018 Wolf Print Summer 2018 | 37
34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 36 01/08/2018 10:32am 34-37 Arts and Books for print.indd 37 01/08/2018 10:32am MERCHANDISE
Wolf Photo Book
throughout the years but also to the wolves here at the Trust.
The UK Wolf Conservation Mai, Motomo, Massak, Sikko, Pukak, It has been a privilege to Trust started in 1995 founded Nuka, Tundra and Tala. work with these amazing by Roger and Tsa Palmer here Sadly all good things must come to animals, who have been at Butlers Farm. an end and at the end of August 2018 the Trust will be closed to the exceptional ambassadors Their aim was not only to share public. The wolves will remain on for their wild cousins. It is their passion but also help educate site as they will be looked after by members of the public and allow the Palmer family and the volunteers because of them that we them to see for themselves what that have cared for the wolves for have managed to donate wolves really are like, and not the many years and know them best. over £360,000 since the mythical, demonised, devilish, and This book is a thank you to all those sly creatures from ancient stories or who have visited and supported us Trust started in 1995. folk fairy tales. The Trust has been home to more than 20 wolves, from our earlier wolves Denali, Luna, Apollo, Athena, The book is available to buy (£26.99) via Mika, Kenai, Kodiak, Dakota, Alba, Latea, Lunca and Duma, and to our http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/8845151-wolves current resident wolves, Mosi, Torak,
38-40 Events for print.indd 38 01/08/2018 10:33am 38-40 Eventsfor print.indd 38 MERCHANDISE current resident wolves,Mosi,Torak, Latea, Luncaand Duma,andtoour Mika, Kenai,Kodiak,Dakota, Alba, wolves Denali,Luna,Apollo, Athena, than 20wolves,fromourearlier The Trust hasbeen hometomore folk fairytales. sly creaturesfromancientstoriesor mythical, demonised,devilish,and wolves reallyarelike,andnotthe them toseeforthemselveswhat members ofthepublicandallow their passionbutalsohelpeducate Their aimwasnotonlytoshare at ButlersFarm. by RogerandTsa Palmerhere Trust startedin1995founded The UKWolf Conservation Wolf PhotoBook who havevisitedandsupportedus This bookisathankyoutoallthose many yearsandknowthembest. that havecaredforthewolves the Palmerfamilyandvolunteers site astheywillbelookedafterby public. Thewolveswillremainon 2018 theTrust willbeclosedtothe an endandattheofAugust Sadly allgoodthingsmustcometo Nuka, Tundra andTala. Mai, Motomo,Massak,Sikko,Pukak, http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/8845151-wolves The bookisavailable tobuy(£26.99)via Trust startedin1995. over £360,000sincethe have managedtodonate because ofthemthatwe for theirwildcousins.Itis exceptional ambassadors animals, whohavebeen work withtheseamazing It hasbeenaprivilegeto wolves hereattheTrust. throughout theyearsbutalsoto 01/08/2018 10:33am 38-40 Eventsfor print.indd 39 FORTHCOMING EVENTS A Celebration Grey Wolves were laterreleasedintothewildsofArizonaandNewMexico. International Centrebetween1994and1997,whoseoffspring of theMexicanwolvesbroughtovertoWolf Haven This uniquepresentationshowsthearrivalforcaptivebreeding at Wolf HavenInternational The MexicanWolf CaptiveBreeding Programme through theyears. biologists andtheadvancementofwolfresearchmethods An interestinginsightintotheworldofwolfresearch The Incredible World ofWolf Research and DenaliNationalPark. Arctic, Wood Buffalo NationalPark,IsleRoyalePark as seenthroughtheeyesofvariouswildwolfpacksinHigh A dramaticinsightintotherealmofpredator/preydynamics Savage Freedom: Wolves onTheHunt which are: There willbefourindividualtalksthroughout theday nature ofwolvesandtheirbehaviour. very successfullyeducatedthepublicabout HELP, aBritishwolfconservationteamwhohave Ian Redmanwasoneoftheco-foundersWolf THERE ARELIMITEDPLACES AVAILABLE TICKETS MUSTBEPRE-BOOKED AS or viatelephoneon0118 9713330 Tickets availableatwww.ukwct.org.uk £30 perperson 10am to 4pm 25th 2018 August Saturday notable researchbiologists. Featuring theworkofDrStevenHFritts,Jeff Haasandother very distinctareas. wanted totryandredressthebalanceofnatureinthesetwo events that,atthattime,symbolisedthewayhumanbeings Park andCentralIdahoinboth19951996wereincredible The reintroductionofthegreywolfintoYellowstone National A HowlingoverYellowstone
THIS EVENT
SOLD OUT! HAS NOW 01/08/2018 10:33am UKWCT Wolf Centre ‘Visit Wednesdays’ FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Visit Wednesdays Open from 11am to 4pm
Visit Wednesdays give you the opportunity to come and see the Trust without pre- booking, unlike our other events. You will be able to observe our ten very charismatic wolves – from our three Arctics with their amazing white coats, to our enigmatic black Canadian wolves – with our knowledgeable volunteers behind the barriers at each enclosure to tell you all about them. There will be fantastic photographic views of the wolves in their large, natural-looking enclosures and you’ll have access to the raised photographic platform on site. Hear the wolves howling during the day and watch them being fed at 2pm. We have picnic areas for warmer days, a gift shop for you to browse for books and souvenirs, and free parking.
Quirks’ Animal Roadshows will be here on Wednesday, 25th July, 1st, 22nd and 29th August with a variety of reptiles, invertebrates and much more.
Come and see Animal Magic on the 8th August, with eight different species of animals, and fi nally Berkshire Reptile Encounters will be bringing a variety of reptiles on the 15th August. PLEASE NOTE! AUGUST 29TH Wednesdays – Open from 11am to 4pm WILL BE THE LAST ADMISSION: Adults – £8; Members DATE WE ARE Children (age 3-11) & OAPs – £5; Children under 3 – FREE. Tickets on the gate only. OPEN TO THE Sorry, no dogs on site. PUBLIC
38-40 Events for print.indd 40 01/08/2018 10:33am