IV. MANAGEMENT GOAL AND CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING ENDANGERED, THREATENED OR DELISTED STATUSCriteria developed for managing Wisconsin's wolf population must be flexible to provide adequate protection for a small population, and protect against damages a higher wolf population might incur upon segments of our society. Although a population of 100 wolves would be considered a minimum viable population if connected to other populations or a large source population (Fritts and Carbyn 1995, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1992), others have suggested that over 500 wolves would be necessary to maintain viability in isolated populations (Soulé 1980). The federal recovery plan for wolves in eastern U.S. suggests that 200 wolves are necessary to maintain viability in isolated populations (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1992). Because the Wisconsin wolf population could become more isolated in the future, and the WDNR has no control on wolf management in adjacent states, the recommended delisting criteria of 300 wolves is higher than the federal standard. The Wisconsin Wolf Advisory Committee recommends managing a Wisconsin wolf population at a range of 300 to 500 wolves.State Listing Criteria Table 1 illustrates criteria for state (and federal) listing. Delisting would occur if a state population of 300 wolves are maintained for 3 years. The species would be reclassified as threatened if the population falls below 250 wolves for 3 consecutive years. Wolves would be reclassified as endangered if the population falls below 80 wolves in any year. The state population attained the goal of 80 wolves for 3 consecutive years in 1997. Federal reclassification to threatened should be completed in 1999. State reclassification to threatened will occur upon adoption of this state wolf management plan. Federal Delisting Criteria The Wisconsin-Michigan wolf population achieved a federal goal of 100 wolves in 1994, and has been maintained above that level since. Criteria for federal delisting of wolves in the northern Great Lakes region should be met in 1999. The USFWS will be responsible for pursuing federal delisting in this region. Discussion of Alternatives and Impacts A population of 300-500 wolves would impact forest ecosystems in northern and central Wisconsin. Slight declines in deer populations might occur in interiors of wolf territories, but would have only a minor impact on deer hunting. Distribution of deer on the landscape may be altered as deer avoid areas far removed from cover. Wolves could also impact populations of beaver, coyotes, and perhaps medium-sized predators such as raccoons and fisher. The higher wolf population would also increase probability of wolf depredation on pets and livestock. Delisting could provide increased flexibility in controlling problem wolves to minimize concerns about depredation. Such increased flexibility in controlling problem wolves when delisted, should help minimize concerns.
Several alternatives were considered for Wisconsin's wolf population goal. A goal of 100 wolves in Wisconsin, similar to federal delisting guidelines, was considered. Although the federal guidelines would provide minimum levels for a viable population if Wisconsin's population of 100 wolves remain connected to other wolf populations (Fritts and Carbyn 1995; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1992); such a population may not be considered completely viable if it becomes isolated. Also, at a lower population goal, wolves might not be able to fully occupy areas of favorable habitat that exists in Wisconsin (Mladenoff et al. 1995, Mladenoff et al. 1997, Appendix C). Another alternative considered was to classify wolves in Wisconsin as threatened throughout the next 10 years, and review the population performance after that time to determine criteria for delisting. This alternative was rejected because it may not allow adequate flexibility in controlling problem wolves in the future. Under threatened classification, controls on nuisance wolves would continue to be restricted. Once delisting occurs more flexible control will be used on problem wolves. The WDNR is obligated to remove species from the threatened and endangered list when such a classification is no longer warranted. |