rsg_book_2013

MammalsSuccess Indicators Indicator 1: Establishand maintain a series of atleast three red wolfpopulations via restorationprojects within the historicrange of the species. Eachpopulation should benumerically large enoughto have the potential forallowing naturalevolutionary processes towork within the species.This must be paralleled bythe cooperation andassistance of at least 30Fostering of red wolves © David Rabon/USFWS captive-breeding facilities. Indicator 2: Preserve80% to 90% of the genetic diversity found in the founding population (14individuals) of red wolves for a period of 150 years or more. Indicator 3: Remove those threats that have the potential to bring aboutextinction of the red wolf. Achieving this objective will include maintaining atotal wild population of at least 220 wolves and a captive population ofapproximately 330 wolves. Indicator 4: Maintain the red wolf in perpetuity through embryo banking andcryogenic preservation of sperm.Project SummaryFeasibility: With the passage of the ESA, a red wolf recovery program wasestablished in partnership with Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (WA, USA), tocoordinate captive breeding efforts and determine “pure” red wolves as part of aplanned extirpation of red wolves in the wild. Between 1973 and 1980, only 14canids captured within the remaining red wolf range were determined to be purered wolves and successfully bred in captivity. By 1980, the red wolf wasextirpated in the wild. In 1984, the captive breeding program was accepted by theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums for development of a Species Survival Plan(SSP), and plans for re-introduction were initiated. To assess various restorationapproaches (e.g., acclimation, release, and recapture techniques), captive-bornred wolves were released on an island propagation site. After public opposition atthe initial re-introduction, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (ARNWR, NC)was chosen as the red wolf re-introduction area. Extensive analyses determinedfeasibility due to the absence of coyotes, the lack of livestock operations, andavailability of prey species. To garner public support, traditional recreationalactivities, such as hunting and fishing, were allowed to continue within the reintroductionarea, and the re-introduced population was designated “non-essentialexperimental” under Section 10(j) of the ESA.108