The Transboundary Implications of Wolf Reintroduction and Recovery in Maine

Author (Your Name)

Brendan J. Carroll, Colby College

Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Colby Access Only)

Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

Advisor(s)

Philip J. Nyhus

Second Advisor

Russell Cole

Abstract

Scientists and wildlife managers generally undertake conservation efforts within defined political boundaries. Because wildlife does not respect these boundaries, conservation efforts undertaken in one area can have unintended consequences for people and natural systems outside the area. Likewise, activities outside the area can impact conservation efforts. The conservation of wide-ranging carnivores is particularly challenging, because their ranges can cross political boundaries, and because human-carnivore conflicts can occur. Wildlife biologists have identified areas in Maine as suitable for eastern timber wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction and recovery. If wolves are reintroduced to Maine, their management would be restricted to the US, but there will be implications for Canada also. In this paper, I examine these transboundary implications by modeling the relative risk of human-wolf conflicts using GIS, surveying the attitudes and opinions of people living in Quebec communities adjacent to potential core wolf habitat, comparing political and management institutions on each side of the US-Canadian boundary, and exploring the potential for cooperation.

Comments

Full-text download restricted to Colby College campus only.

Keywords

wolf, reintroduction, recovery, maine, conservation, GIS

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