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We studied the dynamics of a wolf (Canis lupus) population recovering from intensive reduction in the Finlayson Lake area, Yukon, Canada. Within 6 years, numbers increased from 29 wolves, then stabilized at 245. The colonization of vacant territories by young wolf pairs was the primary mechanism of early population recovery. Reproduction and a low dispersal rate increased pack size in later years, and pack splitting allowed dispersing wolves to remain near natal packs. The rate of increase in the wolf population was density-dependent and related to wolf density, but was also related to the dispersal rate. The dispersal rate was density-independent and related to mean pack size and prey biomass : wolf index. The survival rate was age-dependent and not related to wolf density. In the early years of recovery, the rate of increase was supported by high survival rates and low dispersal rates. In later years, dispersal rates increased, stabilizing mean pack size and wolf density. Wolf density stabilized at levels predicted by the prey supply, but whether the wolf population is regulated by the availability of prey resources remains unresolved. Wolf density, pack density, and mean pack size were similar in 1983 and 1996, despite a 2- to 3-fold difference in prey biomass. We suggest that the interaction of wolf density and mean pack size in stable prey systems needs to be studied to determine the roles played by food supply and wolf social behavior in regulating wolf abundance.

Large migratory catibou {Rangifer tarandus) herds in the Arctic tend to be cyclic, and population trends ate mainly driven by changes in forage or weather events, not by predation. We estimated daily kill rate by wolves on adult caribou in winter, then constructed a time and space dependent model to estimate annual wolf (Canis lupus) predation rate (P_annual) on adult Porcupine catibou. Our model adjusts predation seasonally depending on caribou distribution: P_annual =  ∑K_daily* W *A_p(2)*D_p. In our model we assumed that wolves killed adult caribou at a constant rate (K_daily, 0.08 caribou wolf day1) based on our studies and elsewhere; that wolf density (W) doubled to 6 wolves 1000 km^2-1 on all seasonal ranges; and that the average area occupied by the Porcupine caribou herd (PCH) in eight seasonal life cycle periods (D_p ) was two times gteater than the area described by the outer boundaries of telemetry data (A_p /1000 km²). Results from our model projected that wolves kill about 7600 adult caribou each year, regardless of herd size. The model estimated that wolves removed 5.8 to 7.4% of adult caribou as the herd declined in the 1990s. Our predation rate model supports the hypothesis of Bergerud that spacing away by caribou is an effective anti-predatory strategy that greatly reduces wolf predation on adult caribou in the spring and summer.

Key words: Canis lupus, kill rate, Rangifer tarandus, Yukon

Movement patterns of highly mobile animals can reveal life history strategies and ecological relationships. We hypothesized that wolves (Canis lupus) would display similar movement patterns as their prey, barrenground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), and that movements of the two species would co-vary with season. We tested for interspecific movement dynamics using animal locations from wolves and caribou monitored concurrently from mid-October to June, across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada. We used a correlated random walk as a null model to test for pattern in movements and the bearing procedure to detect whether movements were consistently directional. There was a statistical difference between the movements of caribou and wolves (F_1,9 = 13.232, P = 0.005), when compared to a correlated random walk, and a significant interaction effect between season and species (F_1,9 = 6.815, P = 0.028). During winter, themovements of caribou were strongly correlated with the 80^o–90^o (X r = 0.859, SE = 0.065) and 270^o–280^o (X r = 0.875, SE = 0.059) bearing classes suggesting an east–west movement gradient. Wolf movements during winter showed large variation in direction, but were generally east to west. Peak mean correlation for caribou movements during spring was distinct at 40^o–50^o (X r = 0.978, SE = 0.006) revealing movement to the north-east calving grounds. During spring, wolf movements correlated with the 80^o–90^o (X r= 0.861, SE = 0.043) and 270^o–280^o (X r = 0.850, SE = 0.064) bearing class. Directionality of movement suggested that during winter, caribou and wolves had a similar distribution at the large spatial scales we tested. During spring migration, however, caribou and wolves employed asynchronous movement strategies. Our findings demonstrate the utility of the correlated random walk and bearing procedure for quantifying the movement patterns of cooccurring species.

Key words: bearing analysis, Canis lupus, correlated random walk, movement path, Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus

The Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP) was initiated in 2009 to manage the growing impacts of feral camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia. One of the most important considerations for the project was achieving high standards of animal welfare and demonstrating this to stakeholders and the public. The novelty of feral camels as an invasive species meant that relatively little was known about the animal welfare aspects of the available management techniques. To address this knowledge gap, quantitative animal-based assessment tools were developed to allow independent observers to perform repeatable in situ field auditing of the two main control methods used: aerial (helicopter) shooting and live capture (mustering and transport for slaughter). Although observation protocols allowed most stages of aerial shooting (in situ killing) to be assessed, not all stages of live capture operations could be assessed (namely transport and slaughter at ex situ abattoirs) due to the limitations of the jurisdiction of the Australian Feral Camel Management Project. For assessments that were performed, audit results were made available to project partners to allow procedures to be reviewed and published through peer-reviewed literature to improve transparency. Empirical evidence produced through the audit system was also used to refine humaneness ranking assessments comparing management methods. We present the lessons learnt through the animal welfare approach of the AFCMP to assist future wild herbivore management programs.

Animal welfare is increasingly important in the understanding of how human activity affects wildlife, but the conservation community is still grappling with meaningful terminology when communicating this aspect of their work. One example is the use of the terms “humane” and “inhumane.” These terms are used in scientific contexts, but they also have legal and social definitions. Without reference to a defined technical standard, describing an action or outcome as humane (or inhumane) constrains science communication because the terms have variable definitions; establish a binary (something is either humane or inhumane); and imply underlying values reflecting a moral prescription. Invoking the term “humane,” and especially the strong antithesis “inhumane,” can infer a normative judgment of how animals ought to be treated (humane) or ought not to be treated (inhumane). The consequences of applying this terminology are not just academic. Publicizing certain practices as humane can create blurred lines around contentious animal welfare questions and, perhaps intentionally, defer scrutiny of actual welfare outcomes. Labeling other practices as inhumane can be used cynically to erode their public support. We suggest that, if this normative language is used in science, it should always be accompanied by a clear, contextual definition of what is meant by humane.

Key words: animal welfare, ethics, procedural documents, science communications, social norms.

In 1996, the first cows in the Bathurst herd of barren-ground caribou were satellite collared. Subsequently, the program was maintained by using between five and 21 collared cows transmitting locations between 1996 and 2005. The purpose of this report is to compile information about the collaring program and the chronology of collaring. The report is an update of a 2001 summary and it is meant to be an illustrative not exhaustive review of the analyses. Satellite collared caribou locations have been used to describe seasonal and annual movements, and movement relative to three diamond mines in the NWT. The collared cows demonstrated fidelity to calving and post-calving ranges. The amount of overlap in seasonal ranges between consecutive years increased from calving throughout post-calving and the summer, before decreasing to be lowest during the winter. The area used during calving was annually the smallest and most variable in size compared to the other seasonal life history ranges. No trend was apparent in the size of the ranges between 1996 and 2005, although the southern boundary of the winter range appears to have contracted northward since 2002. Individual movement rates were more synchronized during pre-calving, calving, and post-calving and more variable in the summer and fall with an increase in movement in the time of the fall rut (mid-October to November). Average movement rates dropped from a high of 16 km/day in early summer to 4 km/day in winter.

This updated guide includes information for harvesters on the 2019/20 North Slave Wolf Harvest Incentive Area and associated increased incentives for wolf harvesting in the North Slave Region.

We evaluated the accuracy and precision of tooth wear for aging gray wolves (Canis lupus) from Alaska, Minnesota, and Ontario based on 47 known-age or known-minimum-age skuIIs. Estimates of age using
tooth wear and a commercial cementum annuli-aging service were useful for wolves up to 14 years old. The precision of estimates from cementum annuli was greater than estimates from tooth wear, but tooth wear
estimates are more applicable in the field. We tended to overestimate age by 1-2 years and occasionaIIy by 3 or 4 years. The commercial service aged young wolves with cementum annuli to within:!: 1 year of actual age, but under estimated ages of wolves 2:9 years old by 1-3 years. No differences were detected in tooth wear patterns for wild wolves from Alaska, Minnesota, and Ontario, nor between captive and wild wolves. Tooth wear was not appropriate for aging wolves with an underbite that prevented normal wear or severely broken and missing teeth.

Key words: Age estimation, Canis lupus, tooth wear, wolf.

This manual provides guidance on how and when to conduct Intensive Aerial Wolf Survey and Minimum Wolf Count surveys.

During September 1980-December 1986, 81 radio-collared wolves (Canis lupus) were monitored in and near the 839-km2839-km2 Bearville Study Area (BSA) in north-central Minnesota. Each year winter-territory size averaged 78−153 km278−153 km2; no territories had road densities >0.72 km/km2>0.72 km/km2. From zero to 30% of radio-marked pup, yearling, or adult wolves left their territories each month. Pups left natal packs during January-March and older wolves left frequently during September-April. Wolves temporarily leaving territories moved 5-105 km away and were absent 3-118 days; up to 6 exploratory moves were made prior to dispersal. Dispersing wolves traveled 5-100 km away during periods of 1-265 days. One disperser joined an established pack, but 16 others formed new packs. Annual dispersal rates were about 0.17 for adults, 0.49 for yearlings, and 0.10 for pups. Each year mean pack size ranged from 5-9 in November-December to 4-6 in March. Annual wolf density (including 16% lone wolves) ranged from 39−59 wolves/1,000 km239−59 wolves/1,000 km2 in November-December to 29−40 wolves/1,000 km229−40 wolves/1,000 km2 in March. Annual immigration was 7%. 

A LARGE, DARK WOLF poked his nose out of the pines in Yellowstone National Park as he thrust a broad foot deep into the snow and plowed ahead. Soon a second animal appeared, then another, and a fourth. A few minutes later, a pack of thirteen lanky wolves had filed out of the pines and onto the open hillside.

Wolf packs are the main social units of a wolf population. As numbers of wolves in packs change, so too, then, does the wolf population (Rausch 1967). Trying to understand the factors and mechanisms that affect these changes is what the field of wolf population dynamics is all about. In this chapter, we will explore this topic using two main approaches: (1) meta-analysis using data from studies from many areas and periods, and (2) case histories of key long-term studies. The combination presents a good picture-a picture, however, that is still incomplete. We also caution that the data sets summarized in the analyses represent snapshots of wolf population dynamics under widely varying conditions and population trends, and that the figures used are usually composites or averages. Nevertheless, they should allow generalizations that provide important insight into wolf population dynamics.

Wolves (Canis lupus) on the Canadian barrens are intimately linked to migrating herds of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We deployed a Global Positioning System (GPS) radio collar on an adult female wolf to record her movements in response to changing caribou densities near her den during summer. This wolf and two other females were observed nursing a group of 11 pups. She traveled a minimum of 341 km during a 14-day excursion. The straight-line distance from the den to the farthest location was 103 km, and the overall minimum rate of travel was 3.1 km/h. The distance between the wolf and the radio-collared caribou decreased from 242 km one week before the excursion to 8 km four days into the excursion. We discuss several possible explanations for the long foraging bout.

Key words: wolf, GPS tracking, movements, Canis lupus, foraging, caribou, Northwest Territories

We examine the historical relationship between humans and wolves as illustrated through stories of North American Indigenous Peoples, especially the Great Plains and Intermountain West, exemplified by Cheyenne, Lakota, Blackfoot, Pawnee, and Shoshone peoples. Indigenous stories have not been employed in scholarly examinations of the origins of ‘dogs’. These tribal peoples were tough and resilient and wanted companion animals as tough and resilient as themselves. All Plains tribes examined closely have stories that describe wolves as guides, protectors, or entities that directly taught or showed humans how to hunt after humans arrived in the Americas. Indigenous stories provide insights into the process of domestication of wolves, and such stories may indicate at what stage different peoples were in their relationship with wolves. There appears to have existed a reciprocal relationship in which both species provided food for each other or shared food. This is important because it is often assumed by scholars from the Eurocentric tradition that the first wolves associated with humans scavenged or hung around camps waiting for scraps; thus, from this perspective, the process of domestication began with wolves being dominated by humans. In contrast, we argue for a coevolutionary reciprocal relationship between Homo sapiens and Canis lupus that existed from the early days of tribes until at least the nineteenth century. Our results do not mean that many tribes lacked fully domesticated dogs that were not wolflike in phenotype, but that the process of domestication may have taken a different path than is generally assumed.

Key words: wolves, Canis lupus, dogs, Indigenous people, cooperative hunting

This book brings together a complete a record of traditional Yup’ik rule and ritual as possible in the late twentieth century. I have tried to highlight recurrent themes, meanings, and metaphors to convey what is unique to the Yup’ik view of the world. The cosmology and ritual cycle of the Yup’ik people are much more sophisticated than most people ever imagined, and I have document that complexity and creativity the best I know how. Boundaries and Passages addresses the organization of ethnographic detail by the anthropologist and the place of that detail in the lives of the people the anthropologist represents.

Key words: Yup’ik, rules and rituals, western Alaska, wolf

Ten 7-day-old gnotobiotic Beagle puppies were inoculated intraperitoneally with virulent canine distemper virus (R252-CDV). The dogs were killed and perfused with paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde from eight to 36 days after inoculation. The developing teeth of the mandibles were examined by light microscopy, and the teeth from three dogs were examined by electron microscopy. Necrosis of individual cells in the stratum intermedium of the developing tooth was the first change, detectable at day 9 post-inoculation. At day 16 postinoculation, there was disorganization of the ameloblasts. In the stratum intermedium, multinucleate giant cells and large eosinophilic cytoplasmic viral inclusions were prominent. Ultrastructurally, these inclusions consisted of clusters of tubular aggregates typical of canine distemper virus nucleocapsids. At 28 to 36 days post-inoculation, the changes were seen in the reduced enamel epithelium. Multinucleate cells were seen, but no inclusions. Some necrotic cells were seen. In these teeth, ameloblastic cells of the root were morphologically normal. Our results suggest that distemper virus affects developing teeth by direct infection of the enamel organ.