Source: MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIV submitted to NRP
WOLF/MOOSE POPULATION MONITORING, ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0208980
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2006
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2010
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIV
1400 Townsend Drive
HOUGHTON,MI 49931
Performing Department
SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
Non Technical Summary
This project is intended to maintain continuity in a long-term study of the relationships between wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park, begun in 1958. The purposes are to monitor the population changes of and understand the dynamical relationships between wolves, moose, balsam fir, and moose ticks at Isle Royale. The isolation of the island by Lake Superior creates a relatively simplified ecosystem that is less impacted by human activity and more readily studied than that on the nearby mainland.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
31508501070100%
Knowledge Area
315 - Animal Welfare/Well-Being and Protection;

Subject Of Investigation
0850 - Wildlife habitats;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
One objective is to monitor populations of wolves, moose, balsam fir, and moose ticks at Isle Royale (ISRO). For wolves and moose this monitoring includes estimates of abundance, vital rates (survival and recruitment), and predations rates. Another objective is to understand the dynamical relationships among these populations. Among the relationships we aim to understand are: 1. how the annual growth of balsam fir affects wolf and moose dynamics, and 2. how patterns and rates of moose browsing affect the growth of balsam fir.
Project Methods
Proposed work at ISRO will occur during a 50-day winter study commencing early January and a 3-4-month summer study beginning late April each year. MTU will provide the services of principal investigator John A. Vucetich. Investigator Rolf Peterson will contribute to the study. Wolf surveys will involve opportunistic monitoring of radiocollared wolves in summer and a continuous effort, in winter only, to locate using light aircraft, all wolves as often as possible. Snow-tracking from aircraft is the primary method to locate uncollared wolves and will provide complete coverage of wolf predation during the winter. Prey carcasses will be examined on the ground to estimate food abundance for wolves and update a "reconstructed" estimate of moose population size and age structure. The moose population will be censused using the same procedure employed in the past ca. 15 years, i.e., intensive search of 91 plots in winter. This will begin after moose shift into coniferous habitats and visibility bias is stabilized so that 75% of the moose on plots can be consistently counted. This should provide an estimate of moose numbers with a 95% confidence interval <30% of the estimate, and an estimate of the proportion of moose calves. Summer moose observations will provide an early index to calf abundance in the subsequent cohort of moose. Population reconstruction probably provides the most accurate estimates of moose population size at ISRO. This technique tracks survival patterns of annual moose cohorts using animals recovered after death. At least half of each cohort should have died (after the age of 10 years) before the size of each cohort can be estimated, restricting application of the reconstruction technique to periods more than 10 yr. before the collection period. Nutritional condition of moose in midwinter will be evaluated using urea:creatinine ratios in snow urine, in collaboration with Minnesota DNR researcher G. DelGiudice. Condition for moose recovered after death will be estimated from bone pathology, bone marrow fat levels, cranial volume and metatarsal size. Moose ticks cause, among other things, hair loss in the late winter and early spring. Each spring the abundance of ticks is monitored by observing and photographing the amount of hair loss on 50-75 individual moose. Winter moose diet is determined by collecting winter pellets and conducting microhistological analysis. Microscopic plant fragments in the scat are identified by comparison to a reference collection of potential food items. Selection patterns in moose diet are determined by comparing the diet with the plants in the areas of pellet collection. Balsam fir is measured directly each summer, including tree height distribution, annual height growth, and browse rate. We also monitor annual and spatial variation in C:N ratios of balsam fir plants. The wolf and moose surveys will occur each January and February. Monitoring of vegetation and ticks will occur each May and June. Data will be analyzed (statistical and chemical) and compiled during each Fall (September - November). Manuscripts will be worked on throughout the duration of the project.

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Teaching and mentoring through direct involvement: approximately 120 people (40/yr) have participated in field work through Research Expeditions. Twelve summer field assistants were mentored during this period (4/yr). More than 10 MTU undergrad advisees have learned research skills in the lab. A full-length documentary film, Fortunate Wilderness, was released on DVD. Information can be found at: http://www.fortunatewilderness.com/. Bones have been archived for Isle Royale moose, now numbering over 4,600 individuals since 1958. PIs are collaborating in research on bone morphology, chemical residues, and DNA. During the past 3 years, Vucetich delivered >30 presentations to over 1500 members of the public about Isle Royale wolves and moose. During summer 2008, an exhibit of our scientific work interpreted for the general public was displayed at the Carnegie Museum, Houghton, MI; during Oct 2008, it was displayed at the UMD library, Duluth, MN; during Nov 2008 to Mar 2009 it was displayed at the Hartley Nature Center, Duluth, MN; over 25,000 people viewed the exhibit. During Winter Study 2008-2009-2010, Vucetich maintained "Notes from the Field," which posts on the internet the progress and discoveries of our winter field season. Updates were posted with images every few days throughout the field season. Approximately 15,000 "unique visitors" participated in this regular updating each year, and a hard-copy version was sold in the Isle Royale visitors' centers. In Oct 2008, an exhibit of Isle Royale wolf-moose study photographs was displayed at the Omphale Gallery, Calumet, MI, and in April 2009 at the Animal Project conference at MSU, Lansing, MI. Vucetich continues to maintain www.isleroyalewolf.org; each year, tens of thousands of "unique visitors" come to the website; the webpage includes educational material aimed at the general public and high school students. Vucetich has been interviewed many times by members of the media for Isle Royale wolf-moose research. One PhD student and 2 MS students have or are conducting Isle Royale wolf-moose research. A portion of their work is supported by this McIntyre-Stennis funding. PARTICIPANTS: Assistant Professor John Vucetich; Research Assistant Professor Leah Vucetich; Research Professor Rolf Peterson; Post-doc Jennifer Adams; Research Associate Marcy Erickson; PhD student, Andy Von Duyke; MS student Ben Betterly; Undergrad lab & field assistants Paul Castle, Joshua Brinks, Scott Larson, Ben Kamps, Ryan Priest, Chelsea Murawski, Michelle Kroll, Jon Bontrager, Scott Kentner, John Webb, Auriel Van Der Laar, Brian Southerland. TARGET AUDIENCES: Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction of wolves and moose on Isle Royale to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. Results are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Results are also published in annual reports for both scientists and the general public. These results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Information is provided online at www.isleroyalewolf.org. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
This project is the longest-running study of a mammalian predator-prey system in nature. Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The project has provided valuable support and training for (other than the PIs) one Assistant Research Professor, one post-doc, 3 graduate students, and ~10 undergraduate research assistants. Approximately 120 people (40/yr) have participated in field work through Research Expeditions and 12 summer field assistants were mentored during this period (4/yr). Research findings from the wolf-prey system at Isle Royale have been followed by and are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their proposals to reclassify the gray wolf. Collaborators include: artist Gendron Jenson, documentary film-maker George Desort, and videographer Matthew Monte, Bradley Swanson (Central MI Univ - moose genetics), Jannikke Raikkonen (Swedish Museum of Natural History - inbreeding and congenitial bone deformities), philosopher Michael Nelson (Mich State Univ- environmental ethics and philosophy), Phil Hedrick (AZ State Univ-inbreeding) and Francesca Marucco (Centro conservatione e gestione grandi carnivori, Italy and Montana State Univ-CMR models using genetic data from scat), Hakan Sand (Swedish Univ of Ag Sci - predation dynamics). Collaborator Robert Wayne (UCLA) has used our results to further his studies of wolf genetics. Contributions to resources for research and education include: Linkage through websites to the International Wolf Center educational material Gray wolves, gray matter, which features a section on Isle Royale wolves and moose. Linkage through websites to EcoBeaker,educational software featuring a lab exercise based on Isle Royale.

Publications

  • Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2010. Ethical Discourse & the Conservation of Ecological & Cultural Diversity. Environmental Ethics, in press.
  • Peterson, RO, JA Vucetich, G Fenton, TD Drummer, CS Larsen. 2010. The ecology of arthritis. Ecology Letters doi: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01504.x.
  • Vucetich JA, Nelson MP. 2010. Sustainability: virtuous or vulgar Bioscience 60(7):539-544.
  • Carroll, C, Vucetich, JA, Nelson, MP, Rohlf, DJ, Phillips, MK. 2010. Geography and Recovery under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation Biology, 24(2):395-403.
  • Vucetich, J.A., Nelson, M.P., Raikkonen, J., Peterson, R.O. 2009. On-line & In Press. The Logic of Persistence. Biological Conservation 143(3):533-534.
  • Schwartz, Michael; Vucetich, John . 2009 . Molecules and Beyond: Assessing the Distinctness of the Great Lakes Wolf. Molecular Ecology 18(11):2307-2309.
  • MacNulty, DR, DW Smith, JA Vucetich, LD Mech, DR Stahler, C Packer. 2009. Predatory senescence in aging wolves. Ecology Letter 12: 1-10.
  • Bump, JK, Peterson, RO, & Vucetich, JA. 2009. Wolves modulate soil nutrient heterogeneity and foliar nitrogen by configuring the distribution of ungulate carcasses. Ecology 90(11): 3159-3167.
  • Nelson, MP and JA Vucetich. 2009. On advocacy by environmental scientists: what, whether, why and how. Conservation Biology 23(5):1090-1101.
  • Bump, J, R Peterson, J Vucetich, C Webster. 2009. Ungulate carcasses perforate ecological filters & create biogeochemical hotspots in forest herbaceous layers allowing trees a competitive advantage. Ecosystems.
  • Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2009. Preservation. Pages 180-184 in Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy, Edited by: J. Baird Callicott and Robert Frodeman (Farmington Hills, MI: Macmillan).
  • Vucetich JA, PM Outridge, RO Peterson, R Eide, & R Isrennd. 2009. Mercury, lead and lead isotope ratios in the teeth of moose (Alces alces) from Isle Royale, U.S. Upper Midwest, from 1952 to 2002. J. Environ. Monit. 11:1352-1359.
  • Raikkonen, J., Vucetich, J.A., Peterson, R.O., Nelson, M.P., 2009. Congenital bone deformities and the inbred wolves (Canis lupus) of Isle Royale. Biological Conservation 142, (issue 5), 1027-1033.
  • Bump, JK, K Tischler, A Schrank, R Peterson, & JA Vucetich. 2009. Large herbivores & aquatic-terrestrial links in southern boreal forests. J Anim Ecol. 78(2):338-45.
  • Bump, JK, K Fox-Dobbs, JL Bada, PL Koch, RO Peterson & JA Vucetich. 2007. Stable isotopes, ecological integration & environmental change, wolves record atmospheric carbon isotope trend better than tree rings. Proc R. Soc, Lond B, 274:2471-2480.
  • Nelson, M.P., M. Phillips, & J.A. Vucetich. 2007. Normativity & the meaning of endangered, a comment on Waples et al. 2007. Cons Biology, 21:1646-1648.
  • Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2007. What are 60 warblers worth: killing in the name of conservation. Oikos 116:1267-1278.
  • Fox-Dobbs, K, JK Bump, RO Peterson, Fox DL, & Koch PL. 2007. Carnivore-specific stable isotope variables & variation in the foraging ecology of modern & ancient wolf populations, case studies from Isle Royale, Minnesota, & La Brea. Can. J. Zool. 85:458-471.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Teaching and mentoring through direct involvement: 40 people have participated in field work through Research Expeditions. One MTU undergrad has participated in field work. During 2009, 4 summer field assistants were employed. Six MTU undergrad advisees are learning research skills in the lab. A full-length documentary film, Fortunate Wilderness, was released on DVD. Information can be found at: http://www.fortunatewilderness.com/. Bones have been archived for Isle Royale moose, now numbering over 4,300 individuals since 1958. PIs are collaborating in research on bone morphology, chemical residues, and DNA. During the past year, Vucetich delivered 10 presentations to over 500 members of the public about Isle Royale wolves and moose. During Oct 2008, an exhibit of our scientific work interpreted for the general public was displayed at the UMD library, Duluth, MN. During Nov 2008 to Mar 2009, an exhibit of our scientific work interpreted for the general public was displayed at the Hartley Nature Center, Duluth, MN; approximately 20,000 students per year visit the center. In January 2009, Vucetich maintained "Notes from the Field," which posts on the internet the progress and discoveries of our winter field season. Updates were posted with images every few days throughout the field season. Approximately 15,000 "unique visitors" participated in this regular updating and a hard-copy version was sold in the Isle Royale visitors' centers. In April 2009, an exhibit of Isle Royale wolf-moose study photographs was displayed at the Animal Project conference at MSU, Lansing, MI. Vucetich continues to maintain www.isleroyalewolf.org; each year, tens of thousands of "unique visitors" come to the website; the webpage includes educational material aimed at the general public and high school students. During the past 12 months, Vucetich has been interviewed several times by members of the media for Isle Royale wolf-moose research. PARTICIPANTS: PI John Vucetich; Research Assistant Professor Leah Vucetich; Post-doc Jennifer Adams; PhD student, Andy Von Duyke; Undergrad lab & field assistant Paul Castle ; Undergrad lab assistants: Joshua Brinks, Scott Larson, Ben Kamps, Ryan Priest, Chelsea Mukawski. Part-time, research assistants Marcy Erickson and Erin Largent TARGET AUDIENCES: Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction of wolves and moose on Isle Royale to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. Results are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Results are also published in annual reports for both scientists and the general public. These results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Information is provided online at www.isleroyalewolf.org. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
This project is the longest-running study of a mammalian predator-prey system in nature. Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The project has provided valuable support and training for (other than the PIs) one Assistant Research Professor, one post-doc, 3 graduate students, and 5 undergraduate research assistants. During sumer 2009, field research experience was also provided to 40 members of the general public by participation in Research Expeditions. Research findings from the wolf-prey system at Isle Royale have been followed by and are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their proposals to reclassify the gray wolf. We continue to collaborate with artist Gendron Jenson, documentary film-maker George Desort, and videographer Matthew Monte. PI Vucetich continues collaborations with Bradley Swanson (Central Michigan University) on moose genetics and Jannikke Raikkonen (Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Frescativogen Stockholm, Sweden) on inbreeding and congenitial bone deformities in Isle Royale wolves. PI Vucetich continues to collaborate with philosopher Michael Nelson (Mich State Univ) on issues of environmental ethics and philosophy. Collaborator Robert Wayne (UCLA) has used our results to further his studies of wolf genetics. Collaborations on Isle Royale wolf genetics have been initiated with Phil Hedrick (Arizona State Univ) and Francesca Marucco (Centro conservatione e gestione grandi carnivori, Italy and Montana State Univ). Contributions to resources for research and education include: Linkage through websites to the International Wolf Center educational material Gray wolves, gray matter, which features a section on Isle Royale wolves and moose. Linkage through websites to EcoBeaker,educational software featuring a lab exercise based on Isle Royale.

Publications

  • Bump, J, R Peterson, J Vucetich, C Webster. 2009. Ungulate carcasses perforate ecological filters & create biogeochemical hotspots in forest herbaceous layers allowing trees a competitive advantage. Ecosystems. (Sept 2009)
  • Vucetich & Nelson. 2009. Abandon Hope. The Ecologist. March 2009.
  • Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2009. Preservation. Pages 180-184 in Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy, Edited by: J. Baird Callicott and Robert Frodeman (Farmington Hills, MI: Macmillan).
  • Vucetich JA, PM Outridge, RO Peterson, R Eide, & R Isrennd. 2009. Mercury, lead and lead isotope ratios in the teeth of moose (Alces alces) from Isle Royale, U.S. Upper Midwest, from 1952 to 2002. J. Environ. Monit. 11:1352-1359.
  • Raikkonen, J., Vucetich, J.A., Peterson, R.O., Nelson, M.P., 2009. Congenital bone deformities and the inbred wolves (Canis lupus) of Isle Royale. Biological Conservation 142, (issue 5), 1027-1033.
  • Bump, JK, K Tischler, A Schrank, R Peterson, & JA Vucetich. 2009. Large herbivores & aquatic-terrestrial links in southern boreal forests. J Anim Ecol. 78(2):338-45.
  • Bump, J.K., Peterson, R.O., & Vucetich, J.A. 2009. Wolves modulate soil nutrient heterogeneity and foliar nitrogen by configuring the distribution of ungulate carcasses. Ecology 90(11):3159-3167.
  • Nelson, MP and JA Vucetich. 2009. On Advocacy by Environmental Scientists: What, Whether, Why and How. Conservation Biology 23(5):1090-1101.
  • Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2009. Ethical Discourse & the Conservation of Ecological & Cultural Diversity. Environmental Ethics, in press.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Teaching and mentoring through direct involvement: 56 people have participated in field work through Earthwatch. 2 MTU undergrads have participated in field work. During 2008, 4 summer field assistants were employed. 7 MTU undergrad advisees are learning research skills in the lab. PI Vucetich participated in the creation of a full-length documentary film, Fortunate Wilderness, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the project. Information can be found at: http://www.fortunatewilderness.com/. Bones have been archived for Isle Royale moose, now numbering over 4,300 individuals since 1958. PIs will collaborate in research on bone morphology, chemical residues, and DNA through on-site collaboration of shipping of specimens to collaborating researchers. During the past year, Vucetich delivered 15 presentations to members of the public about Isle Royale wolves and moose. The collective audience of these talks was >2,000 people. Vucetich continues to maintain www.isleroyalewolf.org. a.During the past year, approximately 35,000 "unique visitors" came to the website. b.In January 2008, I maintained "Notes from the Field," which posts on the internet the progress and discoveries of our winter field season. Updates were posted with images every few days throughout the field season. Approximately, 15,000 "unique visitors" participated in this regular updating. c.In September 2008, I launched a major revision of the webpage which includes much more educational material aimed at the general public and high school students. During April - September 2008, an exhibit of our scientific work interpreted for the general public was displayed at the Carnegie Museum, Houghton, MI. Photographs and a short film, Alces Alces Uncut, were displayed at the Animal Intelligence Exhibit - Gallery Project, Lansing In October 2008, an exhibit of Isle Royale wolf-moose study photographs was displayed at the Omphale Gallery, Calumet, MI. During the past 12 months, I have been interviewed several dozen of times by members of the media for Isle Royale wolf-moose research. Oral presentations at conferences: a. Invited speaker - Implications of the ESA's concept of "significant portion of range" and other conceptual and practical issues regarding wolf recovery. Ladder b. Ranch Wolf Recovery Workshop. Applying conservation biology to endangered species recovery goals: The wolf as a case study. 25-27 April 2008. Moderator: Ladder Ranch Wolf Recovery Workshop. Applying conservation biology to endangered species recovery goals: The wolf as a case study. 25-27 April 2008. PARTICIPANTS: PI John Vucetich; Research Assistant Professor Leah Vucetich; Post-doc Jennifer Adams; Research Associate Karena Schmidt; Grad student, Andy Von Duyke; Undergrad lab & field assistant Scott Larson ; Undergrad lab assistants: Marcy Erickson, Erin Brandt, Joshua Brinks, Erin Largent, Paul Castle, Chelsea Mukawski. TARGET AUDIENCES: Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction of wolves and moose on Isle Royale. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
This project is the longest-running study of a mammalian predator-prey system in nature. Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The project has provided valuable support and training for (other than the PIs) one Assistant Research Professor, one post-doc, one graduate student, a research associate, and four undergraduate research assistants. During 1 Aug 07 to 31 Jul 08, field research experience was also provided to over 56 members of the general public recruited by Earthwatch, Inc. Research findings from the wolf-prey system at Isle Royale have been followed by and are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their proposals to reclassify the gray wolf. We continue to collaborate with artist Gendron Jenson, documentary film-maker George Desort, videographer Mattew Monte, and photographer Jim Brandenburg PI Vucetich has begun collaborations with Bradley Swanson (Central Michigan University) on moose genetics and Jannikke Räikkönen (Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Frescativogen Stockholm, Sweden) on inbreeding and congenitial bone deformities in Isle Royale wolves. PI Vucetich continues to collaborate with philosopher Michael Nelson on issues of environmental ethics and philosophy. Collaborators Outridge and Eide continue to use Isle Royale moose teeth to investigate temporal trends in air pollutants. Collaborator Wayne has used our results to further his studies of wolf genetics. Isle Royale data contributed to Hobbs and Hilborn (2006) alternatives to statistical hypothesis testing in ecology. Contributions to resources for research and education include: Linkage through websites to the International Wolf Center educational material Gray wolves, gray matter, which features a section on Isle Royale wolves and moose. Linkage through websites to Earthwatch, Inc., the worlds largest provider of volunteer labor and contributions to support field research. Linkage through websites to EcoBeaker, educational software featuring a lab exercise based on Isle Royale.

Publications

  • Vucetich, JA, BA Huntzinger, MJ Potvin, RO Peterson, LM Vucetich JH Hammill, DE Beyer. 2009. The Recovery, Demography, and Ecology of Wolves in Michigan. Wildlife Monograph. In review.
  • Jannikke Raikkonen, J., J. Vucetich, R.O. Peterson. 2009. Congenital bone deformities and the inbred wolves (Canis lupus) of Isle Royale. /In review/.
  • Bump, JK, K Tischler, A Schrank, R Peterson, & JA Vucetich. 2009. Large herbivores and aquatic-terrestrial links in southern boreal forests. Journal of Animal Ecology. ./In press/.
  • Vucetich JA and MP Nelson. 2009. Ethical Discourse and the Conservation of Ecological and Cultural Diversity. Environmental Ethics. /In press/.
  • Vucetich JA & RO Peterson. 2009. Dynamics of wolf & moose on Isle Royale In, Wydeven, A.P., Van Deelen, T. R., & Heske, E.J. (eds.) Recovery of Gray wolves in the Great Lakes Region of the United States, An Endangered Species Success Story. Springer Press, New York, NY.


Progress 12/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Teaching and mentoring through direct involvement: 22 people have participated in field work through Earthwatch. 6 MTU undergrads have participated in field work. During 2007, 5 summer field assistants were employed. 5 MTU undergrad advisees are learning research skills in the lab. PI Vucetich created an educational DVD on the natural history of wolves and moose, and Isle Royale research, methods and discoveries. This can be found on our website at: http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/educ_mat'ls/educ_video/index.htm Bones have been archived for Isle Royale moose, now numbering over 4,000 individuals since 1958. PIs will collaborate in research on bone morphology, chemical residues, and DNA through on-site collaboration of shipping of specimens to collaborating researchers. During the past year, Vucetich delivered 13 presentations to members of the public about Isle Royale wolves and moose. The collective audience of these talks was ~520 people. Vucetich continues to maintain www.isleroyalewolf.org. a)During the past year, approximately 45,000 "unique visitors" came to the website. b)In January 2007, I began "Notes from the Field," which posts on the internet the progress and discoveries of our winter field season. Approximately, 19,000 "unique visitors" participated in this regular updating. c) In August 2007, I launched a major revision of the webpage which includes much more educational material aimed at the general public and high school students. d)In September 2007, I launched an art & essay contest for high school students. The theme of the contest is: "What do the wolves and moose of Isle Royale teach us about our relationship with nature. e)During the past 12 month, I have been interviewed several dozen of times by members of the media for Bump et al. 2007, for climate change connections to recent moose decline, and for general interest in Isle Royale. Results of these media contacts include a front page article in the Detroit Free Press, radio interview on CBC's Quirks & Quarks, and hundreds of other outlets. Oral presentations at conferences: Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2007. Ethical discourse for the management and conservation of ecological diversity: a case example with wolves. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Tucson, AZ. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The role of environmental ethics in wildlife management. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Tucson, AZ. Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson 2007. What kind of ecological science does conservation need most? wonderment-generating science?. Conference: Integrating ecological sciences and environmental ethics. Senda Darwin Biological Station, Chiloe, Chile. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The relationship between wilderness research and wilderness ethics. Conference: Integrating ecological sciences and environmental ethics. Senda Darwin Biological Station, Chiloe, Chile. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The ethics of doing research in sensitive natural areas. USFS conference on High Mountain Lake Research. I have been collaborating with Isinglass Pictures (www.isinglasspictures.com) an independent film company on a feature length documentary on the Isle Royale wolf and moose research project.

Impacts
This project is the longest-running study of a mammalian predator-prey system in nature. Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The project has provided valuable support and training for (other than the PIs) one Assistant Research Professor, two graduate students, a research associate, and five undergraduate research assistants. During 1 Aug 06 to 31 Jul 07, field research experience was also provided to over 50 members of the general public recruited by Earthwatch, Inc. Research findings from the wolf-prey system at Isle Royale have been followed by and are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their proposals to reclassify the gray wolf. We continue to collaborate with artist Gendron Jenson, documentary film-maker George Desort, videographer Mattew Monte, and photographer Jim Brandenburg PI Vucetich continues to collaborate with philosopher Michael Nelson on issues of environmental ethics and philosophy. Collaborators Outridge and Eide continue to use Isle Royale moose teeth to investigate temporal trends in air pollutants. Collaborator Wayne has used our results to further his studies of wolf genetics. Isle Royale data contributed to Hobbs and Hilborn (2006) "alternatives to statistical hypothesis testing in ecology." Contributions to resources for research and education include: Linkage through websites to the International Wolf Center educational material "Gray wolves, gray matter", which features a section on Isle Royale wolves and moose. Linkage through websites to Earthwatch, Inc., the world's largest provider of volunteer labor and contributions to support field research. Linkage through websites to "EcoBeaker," educational software featuring a lab exercise based on Isle Royale. PI Vucetich created an educational DVD on the natural history of wolves and moose, and Isle Royale research, methods and discoveries. This can be found on our website at: http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/educ_mat'ls/educ_video/index.htm

Publications

  • Brodeur-Campbell, SE, JA Vucetich, DL Richter, TA Waite, JN Rosemier, C.-J. Tsai. 2006. Insect herbivory on low-lignin transgenic aspen. Environ. Entom. 35(6): 1696-1701. Nelson, MP, JA Vucetich, & MK Phillips. 2007. Normativity and the meaning of endangered: a comment on Waples et al. 2007. Cons Biol., in press. Bump, JK, K Fox-Dobbs, JL Bada, PL Koch, RO Peterson, & JA Vucetich 2007. Stable isotopes, ecological integration and environmental change: wolves record atmospheric carbon isotope trend better than tree rings. Proc. R. Soc., Lond. B 274 (1624): 2471-2480. Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2007. What are 60 warblers worth? Killing in the name of conservation. Oikos 116 (8): 1267-1278. Vucetich, JA, RO Peterson, MP Nelson. 2008, in press. Will the future of Isle Royale wolves and moose always differ from our sense of their past? In Musiani, M, & P Paquet (eds) The World of Wolves: New perspectives on ecology, behavior, and policy. University of Calgary Press. Wilmers, CC; Post, E; Peterson, RO; Vuc


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Teaching and mentoring through direct involvement: 22 people have participated in field work through Earthwatch. 6 MTU undergrads have participated in field work. During 2007, 5 summer field assistants were employed. 5 MTU undergrad advisees are learning research skills in the lab. PI Vucetich created an educational DVD on the natural history of wolves and moose, and Isle Royale research, methods and discoveries. This can be found on our website at: http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/educ_mat'ls/educ_video/index.htm Bones have been archived for Isle Royale moose, now numbering over 4,000 individuals since 1958. PIs will collaborate in research on bone morphology, chemical residues, and DNA through on-site collaboration of shipping of specimens to collaborating researchers. During the past year, Vucetich delivered 13 presentations to members of the public about Isle Royale wolves and moose. The collective audience of these talks was 520 people. Vucetich continues to maintain www.isleroyalewolf.org. a)During the past year, approximately 45,000 "unique visitors" came to the website. b)In January 2007, I began "Notes from the Field," which posts on the internet the progress and discoveries of our winter field season. Approximately, 19,000 "unique visitors" participated in this regular updating. c)In August 2007, I launched a major revision of the webpage which includes much more educational material aimed at the general public and high school students. d)In September 2007, I launched an art & essay contest for high school students. The theme of the contest is: What do the wolves and moose of Isle Royale teach us about our relationship with nature e)During the past 12 month, I have been interviewed several dozen of times by members of the media for Bump et al. 2007, for climate change connections to recent moose decline, and for general interest in Isle Royale. Results of these media contacts include a front page article in the Detroit Free Press, radio interview on CBC's Quirks & Quarks, and hundreds of other outlets. Oral presentations at conferences: Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson. 2007. Ethical discourse for the management and conservation of ecological diversity: a case example with wolves. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Tucson, AZ. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The role of environmental ethics in wildlife management. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Tucson, AZ. Vucetich, JA & MP Nelson 2007. What kind of ecological science does conservation need most? Wonderment-generating science?. Conference: Integrating ecological sciences and environmental ethics. Senda Darwin Biological Station, Chiloe, Chile. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The relationship between wilderness research and wilderness ethics. Conference: Integrating ecological sciences and environmental ethics. Senda Darwin Biological Station, Chiloe, Chile. Nelson, MP & JA Vucetich. 2007. The ethics of doing research in sensitive natural areas. USFS conference on High Mountain Lake Research. I have been collaborating with Isinglass Pictures (www.isinglasspictures.com) an independent film company on a feature length documentary on the Isle Royale wolf and moose research project.

Impacts
This project is the longest-running study of a mammalian predator-prey system in nature. Annual study provides valuable current information on population status, dynamics, and interaction. This information is useful to scientists studying theoretical and applied aspects of predation. The annual results are widely published in news media because of a high level of public interest in the status of the gray wolf. The project seeks to contribute to the development of young scientists at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The project has provided valuable support and training for (other than the PIs) one Assistant Research Professor, two graduate students, a research associate, and five undergraduate research assistants. During 1 Aug 06 to 31 Jul 07, field research experience was also provided to over 50 members of the general public recruited by Earthwatch, Inc. Research findings from the wolf-prey system at Isle Royale have been followed by and are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their proposals to reclassify the gray

Publications

  • No publications reported this period