Limits to Plasticity in Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, Pack Structure: Conservation Implications for Recovering Populations

Authors

  • Thomas M. Gehring Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin 48859
  • Bruce E. Kohn Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ranger Station, Box 576, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501
  • Joelle L. Gehring Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin 48859
  • Eric M. Anderson College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i3.744

Keywords:

Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, disease, edge effects, behavior, mortality, radio telemetry, recovering populations, social structure, Minnesota, Wisconsin

Abstract

We documented the dynamics of the Five Corners Pack (FCP) in east-central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin through the loss and replacement of four alpha-females over a four-year period. This pack remained intact and produced offspring during the period despite the annual loss of the alpha female. However, we observed a disintegration of the pack after four consecutive alpha females died, at least two of which were due to illegal killing by humans. Our observations generally support the hypothesis that “single-parent” wolf packs may be more prevalent in areas with low densities of wolves and high densities of ungulate prey. Our observations also highlight the need to assess the potential negative impacts of wolf removal on pack structure and persistence at local and regional scales.

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