Wolf/Moose Population Monitoring, Isle Royale National Park, 2005-2010

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The primary purpose of this agreement is to increase the understanding of how the effects of humans alter the ecology of wolf populations. It will also provide the basis for management decisions that will allow for visitor use while protecting the listed wolf population. The National Park Service, in order to understand and manage the indigenous population of Eastern Timber Wolves on Isle Royale, needs assistance in: A. Monitoring and censusing the wolf population on the island. B. Monitoring and censusing the moose population (the primary prey base for the wolves) on the island. C. Determining the rate of predation of wolves on moose as a key indicator of the health and viability of the wolf population. Isle Royale National Park contains one of the few insular populations of Eastern Timber Wolves in the United States. Because of its insular characteristics, the park is an exceptional area in which to study predator/prey relationships. It is, in fact, the only site in the United States and probably the world where a definitive wolf and moose population exists in the absence of human exploitation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service "Recovery Plan for the Eastern Timber Wolf" (1992) states an objective for the Isle Royale population is to "Continue management to perpetuate natural conditions for the eastern timber wolf on Isle Royale...", with a sub-objective to "Continue research on wolf ecology." (p. 35). Results of this project will be used in park interpretive efforts to communicate to the public (1) the current status of Isle Royale's wolf and moose populations and (2) an understanding of critical natural resource issues.

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