Study: Idaho's wolf population was 1,150 last summer
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has a new method of determining the state's wolf population.
Photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Fish and Game researchers have developed a new genetics-based method of estimating the state’s wolf population.
The method uses genetic and age information taken from every harvested wolf checked by Fish and Game. Researchers then use that genetic information to understand relatedness among the harvested wolves and a computer modeling process that uses the pattern of relatedness to estimate the total number of wolves that produced that pattern, a press release said.
“We recognize that the camera-based method is likely to become less reliable with a smaller wolf population,” Fish and Game Wildlife Bureau Chief Shane Roberts said. “Therefore, we’re planning to move forward with the new genetics-based method that will be more dependable at lower population sizes."
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
