How does a voter mandate grow to be a wolf reintroduction program?
In November 2020, Colorado Proposition 114 handed and gave the state a mandate to reintroduce grey wolves. However how do biologists get to work on such a venture, and what does it imply for the ecosystem?
On this episode, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett of The Wildlife Society sat down with Brenna Cassidy and Eric Odell of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to unpack the Colorado grey wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction program. Cassidy is the wolf monitoring and knowledge coordinator, and Odell is the supervisor of the wolf conservation program.
The dialog explores ecological and behavioral questions surrounding grey wolf reintroduction. Can wolves set off trophic cascades and alter rivers? How are ungulate populations, comparable to elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), altering their conduct? Are predator dynamics shifting as wolves reestablish their vary?
Odell and Cassidy additionally talk about CPW’s administration strategy to lowering human-wolf battle, together with depredation mitigation methods and collaboration with landowners and conservation stakeholders.
“Our Wild Lives” is The Wildlife Society’s weekly podcast, sharing compelling tales from wildlife professionals doing important work around the globe. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett, of The Wildlife Society, convey you thought-provoking conversations with main specialists and rising voices.
New episodes are launched weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Please e mail comms@wildlife.org with suggestions or future episode recommendations.
