Wolf Conservation
Declaration of Principles For Wolf Conservation
1. Wolves, like all other wildlife, have a right to exist in a wild state. This right is in no way related to
their known value to mankind. Instead, it derives from the right of all living creatures to co-exist with
man as part of the natural ecosystems.
2. The wolf pack is a highly developed and unique social organization. The wolf is one of the most
adaptable and important mammalian predators. It has one of the widest natural geographical
distributions of any mammal. It has been, and in some cases still is, the most important predator of
big-game animals in the northern hemisphere. In this role, it has undoubtedly played an important
part in the evolution of such species and, in particular, of those characteristics which have made
many of them desirable game animals.
3. It is recognized that wolf populations have differentiated into sub-species which are genetically
adapted to particular environments. It is of first importance that these local populations be maintained
in their natural environments in a wild state. Maintenance of genetic purity of locally adapted races is
a responsibility of agencies which plan to reintroduce wolves into the wild as well as zoological
gardens that may prove a source for such reintroductions.
4. Throughout recorded history man has regarded the wolf as undesirable and has sought to
exterminate it. In more than half of the countries of the world where the wolf existed, man has either
succeeded, or is on the verge of succeeding, in exterminating the wolf.
5. This harsh judgment on the wolf has been based first on fear of the wolf as a predator of man and
second on hatred because of its predation on domestic livestock and on large wild animals.
Historical perspectives suggest that to a considerable extent the first fear has been based on myth
rather than on fact. It is now evident that the wolf can no longer be considered a serious threat to
man. It is true, however, that the wolf has been, and in some cases, still is, a predator of some
consequence on domestic livestock and wildlife.
6. The response of man, as reflected by the actions of individuals and governments, has been to try
to exterminate the wolf. This is an unfortunate situation because the possibility now exists for the
development of management programs which would mitigate serious problems, while at the same
time permitting the wolf to live in many areas of the world where its presence would be acceptable.
7. It is required that occasionally there may be a scientifically established need to reduce
non-endangered wolf populations; further it may become scientifically established that in certain
endangered wolf populations specific individuals must be removed by appropriate conservation
authorities for the benefit of wolf populations. Conflict with man sometimes occurs from undue
economic competition or from imbalanced predator-prey ratios adversely affecting prey species
and/or the wolf itself. In such cases, temporary reduction of wolf populations may become
necessary, but reduction measures should be imposed under strict scientific management. The
methods must be selective, specific to the problem, highly discriminatory, and have minimal adverse
effects on the ecosystem. Alternative ecosystem management, including alteration of human activities
and attitudes and non-lethal methods of wolf management, should be fully considered before lethal
wolf reduction is employed. The goal of wolf management programs must be to restore and maintain
a healthy balance in all components of the ecosystem. Wolf reduction should never result in the
permanent extirpation of the species from any portion of its natural range.
8. The effect of major alterations of the environment through economic development may have some
serious consequences for the survival of wolves and their prey species in areas where wolves now
exist. Recognition of the importance and status of wolves should be taken into account by legislation
and planning for the future of any region.
9. Scientific knowledge of the role of the wolf in ecosystems is inadequate in most countries in which
the wolf still exists. Management should be established only on a firm scientific basis, having regard
for international, national and regional situations. However, existing knowledge is at least adequate to
develop preliminary programs to conserve and manage the wolf throughout its range.
10. The maintenance of wolves in some areas may require that society at large bear the cost e.g. by
giving compensation for the loss of domestic stock; conversely there are areas having high
agricultural value where it is not desirable to maintain wolves and where their introduction would not
be feasible.
11. In some cases there has been a marked change in public attitudes towards the wolf. This change
in attitudes has influenced governments to revise and even to eliminate archaic laws. It is recognized
that education to establish a realistic picture of the wolf and its role in nature is most essential to wolf
survival. Education programs, however, must be factual and accurate.
12. Socio-economic, ecological and political factors must be considered and resolved prior to
reintroduction of the wolf into biologically suitable areas from which it has been extirpated.
THE FATE OF THE WOLF
The Wolf (Canis lupus) is one of the most highly evolved, adaptable and socially-complex land
animals on Earth. The Wolf plays a key role in maintaining the genetic fitness of prey-species, and
preventing their over- population. The Wolf is a predator of great importance who deserves our
respect and reverence.
Humans, however, have persecuted the Wolf throughout history. The Wolf has now been eliminated
from over 95% of its original range in the contiguous 48 States. In 47 of these 48 states the Wolf is
classified as Endangered, while it is listed as Threatened in Minnesota. The Timber Wolf has been
driven out of 15% of its former range in Canada - including the entire prairies and all of Atlantic
Canada, while the Mexican Wolf is believed to have lost well over 80% of its original territory. The
Wolf is listed as Vulnerable internationally.
Wolves are perhaps the most maligned and misunderstood mammals on Earth. Though there has
never been an attack by a healthy Timber Wolf on a human, the Wolf's reputation as a threat
persists. Equally false is the notion that Wolves negatively impact the health and abundance of prey
species such as deer, caribou, or moose. In fact, Wolves play a vital role in promoting healthy, stable
prey populations.
Yet as one of the most intelligent and resilient members of the ecosystem, the Wolf may be making a
comback. Wolves are showing evidence of recolonization in many areas, such as the northwest of
the United States. The U.S. government has recently begun a plan to recolonize Yellowstone
National Park, despite the protests of local ranchers who fear for their livestock. They have taken
Canadian Grey Wolves and are re-introducing them into the park, hoping that the wolves will accept
their new home.
Email: gutterpunk@hotmail.com
