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Picture source:
Eastern Timber Wolf
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Timber Wolves - Endangered Species
Timber (Grey) Wolves were once abundant on vast territories. This species was found on the largest part of the northern hemisphere. As humans settled in earlier unexplored areas, they inevitably faced the Wolf. The Timber Wolf was considered the symbol of wilderness. It was admired for its intelligence and determination, courage and endurance. The hunting skills of the Timber Wolf were amazing and caused much respect on the part of the humans. Now the situation is quite the opposite. The Timber Wolf is listed as an endangered species and seems to be close to extinction.
Timber Wolves - Causes of Population Decline
As humans progressed with farm development, serious cattle damage from Grey Wolves started to occur. The Timber Wolf species was doomed in man's pursuit of genuine desire to protect sheep from this perfect hunter. Timber Wolves became both feared and hated. These powerful feelings led to significant destruction of the Wolf.
Timber Wolves experienced a great habitat and prey loss. They were driven out from territories that once belonged to the wild. The Elk, Deer, and other animals that comprised a great portion of the Timber Wolf diet ended up as human prey. The Timber Wolf appeared to be poorly equipped in contrast to humans with their guns, traps, and lust for more territory.
What contributed to species decline are common myths about Timber Wolves. Fear and hatred toward this wild carnivore placed the species on the list of animals traditionally thought of as extremely dangerous and impossible to escape from its predation. A conventional opinion held that such species would never be managed and their extermination was the only effective means to prevent any damage caused by their activity.
Timber Wolves - Current Distribution and Prospects
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Picture source:
Wildlife Photography by Rothman
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Impressive population decline was the end result of deliberate Timber Wolf destruction and human activities that changed the species natural habitat. The Grey Wolf found itself on the edge of extinction virtually in all the former areas of its residence. Nowadays, the species is restricted to some areas of Canada and Alaska. They are also scarcely distributed on the lower 48 states mostly in mountainous and forest areas. The species is endangered, yet the population recovery seems to be on the way upward.
In Europe, Timber Wolf numbers have also been reduced greatly. However, conservation efforts that are aimed at reestablishing the population in European countries have started to bring fruitful results. It should be noted that the complete recovery of Timber Wolves is going to take a long time even with all the conservation measures that are being taken.
Timber Wolves - Conservation Links
California Wolf Center - Conservation and education center focusing on Gray and Mexican Wolves.
Coalition to Restore the Eastern Wolf - Representing over 30 organizations supporting the recovery of Timber Wolves to
its former ranges.
Conservation - The Eastern Timber Wolf - The eastern Timber Wolf, which once inhabited large areas in North America, is now an endangered species that survives in only about 3 percent of its original home range in the U.S. Learn more.
Critter Corner: Timber Wolf - Information on the species, threats, and conservation efforts.
Europe Programme - WWF - WWF's work to save the Grey Wolf.
Help Save Alaska's Wolves - Provides news regarding efforts to protect Wolves from hunters. From Defenders of Wildlife.
Minnesota Wolf Alliance - Minnesota Wolves need your help.
National Wildlife Federation - Wolf information and conservation efforts.
NAWA - North American Wolf Association - Dedicated to a safe and successful future for Wolves.
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Picture source:
Apogee Photo com
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Night Watcher: Timber Wolves - Promotes the preservation of the Wolf and other endangered wildlife.
Predator Conservation Alliance - Protects and restores native predators and their habitats in the Northern Rockies and High Plains.
Public Lands Ranching and Idaho's Wolves - The defense of Timber Wolves from public lands ranching in Idaho (USA).
Sierra Club: Timber Wolf Protection - America's most influential environmental organization.
Sinapu - Restoration and protection of native carnivores and their habitat in the Southern Rockies.
SOEI: Timber Wolf Alliance - Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA) promotes and assists in achieving a sustainable population of Wolves through public education in the western Great Lakes region with special emphasis in the Lake Superior basin.
Timber Wolf Recovery - Details the U.S Fish & Wildlife Gray Wolf recovery project for the mid west and Great Lakes.
Timber Wolves: Minnesota DNR - Among the lower 48 states, Minnesota is unique because it supports a large number of timber Wolves.
TWIN - Timber Wolf Information Network - Organization and education that is directed to conservation of the timber Wolf.
UK Wolf Conservation Trust - Non-profit organization promoting conservation and providing a natural habitat sanctuary for observation.
Wolf - Species overview by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Wolf Conservation and Management Policy for Alaska - To provide for the conservation of Alaska's Wolves and their prey populations.
Wolf Conservation Center - Education about the importance of the Wolf in the environment.
Wolf Conservation Links - Links to Wolf conservation sites submitted by the BBC.
Wolf Recovery Foundation - Updates on the Idaho and Yellowstone Wolf reintroduction. Join trips and expeditions to explore Wolf habitat. Learn how you can help protect Wolves!
Wolves of North America - The efforts of Wolf conservationists in North America divided into regions.
