The Fight for Reintroduction of Wolves in Various Parts of the World

                                                

Abstract:

In beginning this process of the thought of wolf reintroduction some investigating was needed. The task was to find out as much as possible about Wolf Reintroduction, in knowing where it began, where Wolf Reintroduction was accomplished and why it has had such a difficulty in getting passed. The first task that came before these major points was in learning about the actual animal itself, in understanding the wolves’ habits, their routines, their strength and their features.  The methods used to learn the information was gathered through searching the web while also putting together a survey. The survey consisted of ten questions that were sent to Facebook as well as Gmail. The questions consisted of asking the viewers certain things pertaining to wolves and the viewers they had on behalf of the subject of wolf reintroduction. The main questions consisted of what the viewers thought about wolf reintroduction. Another main question was on behalf if my readers had heard about attacks on livestock pertaining wolves and if my viewers had a preference of wolves being reintroduced back into the wild. The most famous of all the questions is if the viewer was for or against wolf reintroduction in any area? Lastly it was necessary to see if the viewers were informed enough to give answers pertaining to knowledge and not just opinion, this was done by asking how much they knew about the animal itself.  In asking these questions it was made much clear of the views of others due to the subject of wolf reintroduction.

Introduction:

The main problem that pertains to the reintroduction of wolves is, Ranchers. The reason behind this issue is Ranchers truly think that wolves will not be helpful to the ecosystem in any manner. Ranchers heavily believe the reason for the massive decline in their livestock is due to wolves hunting their sheep because they are easy prey. Though there is record that wolves are not the main reason for the declining numbers of livestock. Ranchers have been stated within many articles that have been studied and recorded that they are not easy people to persuade even with hard evidence. They wish to keep the situation as it is without wolves in the picture rather than having to deal with them year round. Ranchers care for their land, their livestock and more importantly their profit.  They see wolves as a threat to this balance they have had for generations  and dislike the thought of change.In the article in Science Daily more livestock was lost to other predators such as coyotes as well as disease more so than what the wolves had killed. Before debriefing upon the thoughts of Ranchers it was unclear that the wolves were not being able to reintroduced back into the wild because of the actions and wants of Ranchers. Wolf Reintroduction seemed to be a situation where more players were involved. Meaning it was quite shocking to know that biologist don’t have more of a handle on this situation where as Ranchers do. It is understood that Ranchers do have the upper hand due to owning the land where as biologists are protectors of the ecosystem,they themselves do not own it or the animals within the system. Biologists can help to change the situation in adding something or someone different such as wolves to keep the herbivore population from overpopulating. For within many articles it is stated that due to having too many herbivores in one area the plant matter is decreasing at fast rates that is unhealthy for the environment. This issue will lead to possibly bigger problems because once the plant matter begins to decrease so may the insects that live in the plants as well as the avian populations will decline. With overlooking the population increase of herbivores this could send other situations within the ecosystem to plummet. Wolves may have the adjustment action that will stop the herbivores from beginning this avalanche of problems that biologist are trying to put to a halt. Though if wolves are not monitored and just put anywhere it could cause some difficulty because if they begin to go after prey that is not the populations that are overpopulating then it could lead to another group being damaged instead.  In keeping the ecosystem in good condition this will ensure younger generations will be able to know of the creatures who roamed. It is good to inform the public of this matter about Wolf Reintroduction. This will get more people involved rather than just having the Ranchers and Biologist’s be the main players. If more people were to get involved there would be more debate, more possibilities of Ranchers having to stop and listen rather than take charge.

Methods:

The problem with Wolf Reintroduction is still a leading issue today. There is still conflict on both sides. Most Ranchers wish to not have wolves reintroduced in any area especially if near their livestock. Biologist believe that with reintroducing wolves back into certain areas will help the plant matter in not being depleted by herbivores such as deer. By preparing this knowledge much internet searching was conducted. This led to getting to understand the opponents of interest, Ranchers and Biologist. Then after learning about their frustrations, Ranchers wanting nothing to do with having wolves being reintroduced back into the wild and Biologist who fear for the ecosystems wellbeing if not dealt with properly.  There was so much information found upon this subject on the web, and literature. Other ways in getting the information needed on behalf of this subject was done by creating a survey that was of questions that were put together to see what where in the minds of others around me. The questions consisted of asking the main topics of the reintroduction of wolves in the form of either quantative or qualitative questions.  All except two of the ten questions consisted of being qualitative, though two consisted of being both, qualitative and quantitative to further the process a blog was created on behalf of wolf reintroduction. It was made to inform other people upon blogger about Wolf Reintroduction blog. The reason why it begins right into the topic of which it is going to touch base on is to ensure that the blogger may stay, read and post if they are either a wolf lover or hater or is concerned for the ecosystem.  This blog is to inform and get more people into this topic to make awareness. These tools put together helped to ask others as well as get their feedback on behalf of wolf reintroduction.

Results:

Questions were made for a survey and were distributed to the public. The questions consisted of qualitative and quantitive data.  Though two of the ten questions was not just one or the other they were both qualitative and quantitative .The first of the two questions asked the audience if they were against wolf reintroduction.  Five of the seventeen viewers stated they were against wolf reintroduction, and then eight people stated they were not against wolf reintroduction at all. Three stated that they were possibly against it while one out of the seventeen stated they were neutral. The percentage of people who were against wolf reintroduction was 29.4%, 47.1% were not against wolf reintroduction where as 17.6% were a maybe and 5.9% were neutral on behalf of the subject of wolf reintroduction.  The second of the two questions asked the audience if they were for wolf reintroduction. Within the seventeen people who answered 29.4% stated they were for wolf reintroduction whereas 23.5% stated they were not. Though 29.4% stated they were a maybe on the subject on wolf reintroduction and 17.6% stated they were unsure and stated they were neutral on the subject at hand. The graphs below are to show the reader of this paper the estimate done in order to understand the graphs. Both “Figure” 1 and 2 both had the optional answer yes, no, maybe and neutral.  Then the table were put in place so the viewer could see the options the person chose from, yes, no, maybe and neutral but also see the response percent as well as the count. People chose according to what they thought correct in their final decision in stating the answer they did.

Figure 1: Helped to analyze the amount of people who were against the reintroduction of wolves.

Answer Options	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	33.3%	4
No	33.3%	4
Maybe	25.0%	3
Neutral	8.3%	1
answered question		12
skipped question		3

Table 1: shows the options people chose to answer the question wish, the response percent as well as the count of the responses.   

Figure 2: Ask the audience if they are for Wolf Reintroduction.

Answer Options	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	16.7%	2
No	25.0%	3
Maybe	33.3%	4
Neutral	25.0%	3
answered question		12
skipped question		3

Table 2: Did the same as Table 1 though their percentage and response count is different.

Discussion:

This trial and error to see the reaction of people was fascinating. Overjoyed by this process was an experience to see how people thought and reacted to a particular subject. It was quite something, though reviewing all the work done was much to consider but worth the time. Wolves are regaining their numbers slowly but surely, they are reappearing thanks to biologists and animal lovers who have power to change situations. Although Ranchers are still displeased on behalf of the idea of wolves there is a little wiggle room to change their minds. Though this will be done by government power and hard evidence to show that wolves are not the problem to decreasing in their livestock as much as the Ranchers think they are. Wolves can help the ecosystem if put in the right place and where enough herbivores are.

Acknowledgements:

*Microsoft Word

*Excel

*Stephanie (instructor)

Literture Cited:

       http://www.defenders.org/red-wolf/basic-facts

      http://www.defenders.org/gray-wolf/basic-facts

      http://www.alaska.net/~wolfsong/wolf_facts.html

      http://prospect.org/article/wolves-slaughter

      http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/in-the-valley-of-the-wolves/reintroduction-of-the-wolves/213/

    http://www.westernwolves.org/index.php/ranching-in-wolf-country

     http://www.thebeckoning.com/wolves/attitudes.html

Analyzing Audience and Purpose: A Worksheet

My Goals

1)      I am writing this article due to the fact I wish to recite what my opinion is on the wolf’s species, while interpreting what has been stated through studies done before my existence about Wolf Reintroduction. All in all my purpose for this paper is to become more interpretive about a topic the world has yet to finish its informative debate.

2)      My outcome is to be another whom is promoting Wolf Reintroduction in areas that herbivores are overpopulating so the ecosystem is sustained and not over grazed. My duty is to provide any answers to the leading questions of what others will have to say on this topic. To get the public involved while having a complete understanding of what is trying to be done here.

3)      Well, from a student’s perspective it would be my peers as well as the final say which is my instructor. Though leading to the public I would have to say perhaps other writers whom have come across this debate in their time of writing. Another primary reader could be a biologist that studies specifically the pattern of wolves within their natural environment. Lastly there is a wolf rehabilitation that could be one of my readers due to the fact they specialize in the wellbeing of wolves. In maintaining a promised well lived life for these half wolves, half dogs that look similar to their actual ancestor the true wolf.

4)      In this being the start of this research I do not have an employer due to the fact this paper has just came about rather than being a study that has been tested and talked about with others in person about their true opinion on the matter.

5)      My reader’s responsibility is to take the time to read the words I have on my topic and then to make criticism if they have any or send questions had. Lastly then it is their responsibility to state on behalf of my paper if they are to agree or disagree and make a point to do something about this topic on reintroduction of wolves, rather than just letting their words be heard but have nothing done.

6)      I’m unsure how much the reader should know though if I were to have my say I think that the reader should have much informational background before putting their opinion on the subject at hand.

7)      The attitude that should be perceived by the reader is to be stern and honest in what must be done to change the outcome of what has happened in the past.

8)      The attitudes towards me being the writer of this notion should be hungry with questions and opinionated answers in helping me move forward with what we all think is best for the environment as well as the animals involved.

9)      They will indeed have specific communication do to the fact that this topic about wolf reintroduction because there are many whom do not in fact agree about what should be done. Meaning if wolves should be reintroduced in some part or should they stay only in captivity due to that they may upset the decent balance of grazers as well as the land.

10)   They are reading this article due to the fact they would want the outcome to find either if wolves should be reintroduced or kept within the bars of captivity.

11)    My readers will use the information provided by seeing if my notion is correct and If they too would like follow in what I have stated. Or would they like to decline from the thought of reintroducing wolves back into the wild.

12)   They will ask on behalf of what studies have been done to show that this is a good idea to pursue. Another will be why it is that I suppose it is a good idea to have these carnivores back into the wild.  They may even ask if the wolves be full bred wolves rather than whereas in the Loki clan they are only part wolf.

13)   In understanding the audience depending on how my words capture them and how passionate they are about this notion, I would have to say it really depends. Though there are many articles due to the fact of if it should be done wolf reintroduction or not so this article may be skimmed.

14)   I’m quite unsure about this question.

15)   People who are interested within this topic would be possibly bystanders such as everyday people whom care about the environment such as environmentalist or instructors that have a scientific background.

16)   I keep in mind that my sources are correct and that I am able to cite all the writers I have come across that have the same mind set as I.

17)    If this notion is passed and agreed on that wolves should be reintroduced back in to the wild then farmers may be affected for they still have a harsh mind set about having wolves venture back into their land. For the wolves themselves prey on their helpless livestock and cause the numbers to decrease unless shot or terminated.

Draft of Slide Show Pertaining to Wolves

First Slide: The Wolf (Canis lupus)

Second Slide: picture of wolf

Third Slide: Here are some facts pertaining to Wolves

            *their order is Carnivore,

            *Family: Canidae

            *The wolf is the largest in the wild canine family

            *The coyotes evolved separately from the wolf over 500,000 years ago

            *This carnivore has 42 teeth

            *Wolves have ears that are rounded

            *Wolves have powerful jaws capable of generating 1,500 psi pressure

            *Wolves are family oriented

            * The season for mating for wolves is in February and March

            *The female will carry her young in her belly for 63 days

            * The pups of wolves are born in April or May

            *The litter size is usually 4 to 7 pups (this depends on nutrition factors)

            * Wolves communicate with others in their pack by harmony and integration rather than aggression

            * Wolves are territorial

            * The main threat of wolf population is loss of habitat         

            * The wolf is an ultimate predator at the top of the food chain

            *The wolf is designed to run

            * Wolves can kill healthy animals though they prefer to seek out the sick, or feeble such as the old or new young

            *The wolf is able to travel 5 miles per hour trot

            * Wolves can run between 28 and 40 miles per hour up to 20 minutes

            *The back of teeth or as said carnassials molars are designed to crush bone and shear meat

            * Wolves have two types of hair the guards and undercoat

Fourth Slide: The main threats that harm Wolves

            *Ranchers

            * Loss of Land

Fifth Slide: Ranchers

Sixth Slide: picture of ranchers

            *Ranchers are not found of Wolves

Reasons:

            *Ranchers believe that much of their livestock is killed by wolves when their livestock is killed more by disease and other predators

            * Ranchers don’t see it but if documented and studied the Ranchers would understand that the wolves are making their livestock stronger by taking out the week and old.

            *Rarely do wolves attach prey that is healthy, for they seek the week and old as well as young because they are easy prey

            *Though Ranchers are fearful that if wolves were able to venture in the wild again that they would kill all their livestock in causing the Ranchers to lose profit.

Seventh Slide: Loss of Habitat

Eighth Slide: Picture of loss of habitat

Ninth Slide: Habitat Loss is caused by          

            *Big Companies

            * Corporations

            *The construction of new houses in the area

            *Stores such as huge malls or other stores

            *Weather

Tenth Slide: Sad Factor of Wolves

Eleventh Slide: Picture of Wolves

Twelfth Slide: Depletion

            *Wolves were killed off the brink of extinction within some sub-species due to man over shooting and killing these animals because of misunderstanding.

            *Wolves where then killed because of killing livestock

            * Man was the reason for this carnivore decreasing past its limits.

Thirteenth Slide: Though there is hope for these Magnificent Creatures

            *Reintroduction of Wolves in certain areas to help the ecosystem and keep the herbivore population from over populating.

           

Fourteenth Slide: A good place to begin the Reintroduction of Wolves

            *Yellow Stone National Park

Fifteenth Slide: Picture of Yellow Stone National Park

Sixteenth Slide: Yellow Stone National Park

            *Is a place to grab your backpacks and begin the journey of camping

            *There is abundant life such as

                        -bears

                        -wolves

                        -deer

                        -bison

                        And more

            *This place helps the wolves in beginning them in an area where they are not in captivity but in their natural environment doing as nature intended.

            * The wolves serve as helping with the ecosystem and providing a good learning tool to the people whom visit the camp ground

           

Seventieth Slide: More Places for Wolf Reintroduction

Eightieth Slide: Mexican Wolf Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area

Nineteeth Slide: picture of map showing the area of Mexican Wolf Range Wolf Recovery Area

Twentyth Slide: Oregon Wolves

Twenty-oneth Slide: Picture of the area of where the Oregon Wolves are located

Twenty- twoth Slide: There are places

            *Who are trying to regain the numbers of wolf reintroduction though it is going to be tough because biologist and Wildlife Care Takers are going tp have to fight for these animals rights

            * For the wolves cannot talk for themselves so the people will have to have their evidence speak on the wolves behalf

Thank you ….

Hope you enjoyed my lesson taught

Sincerley Aliza Moya