SCB comments on proposed changes to federal wolf recovery policy
SCB’s North America section today submitted comments on proposed changes to wolf recovery policy in the US, including development of a ‘National Wolf Strategy’.
SCBNA suggested that the FWS:
1) Ensure that the National Wolf Strategy, proposed delisting of the western Great Lakes distinct population segment of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), proposed revision of the historic range of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), rangewide review of Canis lycaon in the United States and Canada, and status reviews for the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Pacific Northwest and Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) in the southwest United States and Mexico meets the standards of use of “best scientific and commercial data” as required under the ESA, in part by subjecting each to independent scientific peer review;
2) Consider both the intent of the ESA and relevant ecology and conservation science when defining the concepts of ‘range’ and ‘significant portion of range’;
3) Consider recent genetic research in evaluating the significance of potential listing units;
4) Resolve taxonomic issues more fully before removing protections from (delisting) wolf-like canids in the northeastern United States, and separate the taxonomic reclassification issues in the proposed rule from other proposed actions;
5) Consider the relevance of wolf metapopulation ecology and historic genetic population structure when applying DPS concept; and
6) Use current population viability analysis (PVA) methodologies to support recovery planning at both the national and regional level.
You can download the full comments here.
