The wolf-moose research project at Isle Royale National Park is the longest continuous study of a predator-prey system globally.
The study began in 1959, focusing on the population fluctuations of wolves and moose.
Recent Findings
Wolf Population Decline:
Declined due to inbreeding, indirectly caused by climate warming.
Ice bridges that allowed gene flow between mainland wolves and Isle Royale have decreased, now forming approximately once a decade compared to three times every four winters in the 1960s.
Moose Population Increase:
As wolf numbers decreased, the moose population tripled.
Concerns about long-term effects on the forest due to increased moose abundance.
Climate Change Impact
Lake Superior's ice cover is sensitive to temperature changes.
Before 1998, substantial ice was common; post-1998, there is often little ice.
Ice formation affects the wolf population by limiting the formation of ice bridges.
Management and Ethical Considerations
Isle Royale is 99.9% wilderness; any intervention must be carefully considered.
Policy Conflict:
Wilderness policy advocates for minimal human intervention.
Other policies suggest intervention if human impacts are evident.
Plan to restart the wolf population using the best genetic and ecological advice.
Example of Yellowstone where top predators were eliminated and later restored, showing the impacts on ecosystems.
Conservation Debates
Wilderness Watch advocates for minimal intervention, arguing for letting nature take its course.
Concerns that human intervention may set a precedent for manipulative management across wilderness areas.
Ongoing debate about the balance between hands-off approaches and necessary human intervention to restore ecosystem health.
Conclusion
The urgency in addressing ecological imbalances due to climate change and historical human impacts.
The significance of using scientific knowledge to guide interventions.
Importance of finding and maintaining spaces where nature can thrive, such as Isle Royale and Yellowstone.