IUCN (WORLD CONSERVATION UNION)
Wolf Specialist Group
Resolutions
October 1, 2005
Recognition of Himalayan wolf
Recognition of Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus laniger) as unique and in critical need of conservation – lead author: Yadvendradev Jhala, India
Improved coordination of wolf monitoring and management between Sweden and Norway
Recognition of the need for improved coordination of wolf monitoring and management between Norway and Sweden – lead authors: Anders Bjarvall, Sweden and Petter Wabakken, Norway. Letter sent Dec. 1, 2005
Need for several European countries to conform with standards for monitoring and managing wolves
Recognition of the need for several European countries (e.g., Poland and Romania) to conform with the standards adopted by the European Union for monitoring and managing wolves – lead authors: Ovidiu Ionescu, Romania and Henryk Okarma, Poland.
Need to restore the Mexican wolf in Mexico
Recognition by the U.S. government of the need to restore the Mexican wolf in Mexico as integral to efforts to recover that subspecies – lead authors: Jorge Servin, Mexico and Mike Phillips, USA. Letter sent Nov. 29, 2005.
February 23, 2000:
Zoning for wolf management
When zoning or wolf control is used as a tool for reducing wolf/livestock conflicts or to restore wolves to former natural ranges, planning should always be at the scale of the entire meta-population. If more than one country is concerned with the management of one meta-population, planning should be a concerted effort among all authorities.
Reintroduction of Mexican Wolves
The IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group endorses the reintroduction of Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) to the Southern Rocky Mountains ecosystem pending a determination through an Environmental Impact Statement that the area is suitable for gray wolves.
The IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group endorses the development of a Mexican wolf management facility at the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado (USA).
November 19-20, 1996:
Regarding the Recolonization of the Eastern Timber Wolf of the Northeastern United States
WHEREAS: The eastern timber wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) once ranged throughout southeastern Canada and northeastern United States, and,
WHEREAS: The states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York, together contain significant populations of white-tailed deer, moose and beaver, with northern Maine supporting perhaps the highest moose density in North America; and
WHEREAS: Increased protection of wolves in Canada and the U.S. has resulted in their natural recolonization of portions of Montana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and
WHEREAS: Wolves may be attempting to recolonize the northeastern U.S. from existing populations in Ontario and Quebec,
RESOLVED: That the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group encourages the establishment of a Bi-national Recovery Plan for the Eastern Timber Wolf between the U.S. and Canada to foster the natural recovery of the eastern timber wolf in the northeastern U.S. The plan should include the creation of a Recovery Committee consisting of representatives from the U.S. and Canada; the conduct of research into the status of wolf populations in southern Quebec, Ontario, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Main; a program of wolf education in Canada and the northeastern U.S.; and the management of wolf populations in Canada and the northeastern U.S. to increase the likelihood of natural recolonization of the eastern timber wolf in as much of its former range as is feasible.
October 15, 1994:
Resolution re DNA Analysis and Transfer of Wolf Tissues
The modern technique of molecular genetics analysis is currently the most accurate known way of establishing lineages, studying conservation genetics, and taxonomy. The technique uses non-viable fragments of nuclear or mitochondrial DNA from live or dead animal tissues. These DNA fragments are replicated by chemical (PCR) reactions and assayed by radioactive probes to polymorphic sites.
The IUCN Wolf Specialist Group emphasizes the importance of this technique for research, conservation, and management of wolves and advocates its use for scientific non-commercial purposes.
The DNA fragments used for the analysis are non-viable and the transfer of such animal wolf tissues for such analysis should be in agreement with the Biodiversity Convention.
October 22, 1993:
Resolution regarding wolves in Spain
1. We express our thanks to the Consejeria ‘ole Medio Ambiente y Ordenacion del Territino Junta de Castilla y Leon. Without their help it would have been impossible to organize this meeting.
2. We appreciate the efforts and interest of regional governments like Castilla y Leon, Asturia’s and others for their work in favor of the conservation of their own wolf populations and their concern to solve the human-wolf conflicts by paying compensations for wolf damage. We offer our support and collaboration in this effort. We emphasize the scientific and cultural importance of wolf populations living in the cereal fields of Castilla y Leon, whose future is questionable.
3. We express our appreciation for the work done by private organizations like “Ciconid-coda” and “Asociacion Amigos del Lobo Lycaon” and others for their effort in wolf conservation. We would like to encourage them as much as possible.
4. We express our deep concern about the wolf populations still living in Extremadura y Andalucia, which are, although strictly protected, still in danger of extinction even though the conditions (low human population densities, abundance of wild prey, well preserved habitat) are objectively the best to support healthy populations.
5. We ask the regional governments, the Spanish government, and the European Community to enforce the law and prosecute any illegality such as the use of poisons, killing of pups, and illegal drives.
6. We encourage the regional governments of Galicia, Cantabria, etc. as well as the Spanish government to adopt a clear position on wolf research and conservation according to international conventions and other laws ratified by Spain, applying the necessary funding and creating protected areas to guarantee the future of populations in their territories.
7. If wolves in Spain are to survive in human-occupied areas, a carefully regulated program for paying appropriate replacement costs for livestock authenticated as taken by wolves seems necessary. Such a loss-replacement system must be carefully announced and adapted to specific situations. Such programs should be coupled with systems for preventing or reducing damages and should consider the experience of other countries with similar programs.
8. The wolf-horse system that includes the primitive horses in Galicia Garranos and in Asturias (Asturcones) and their traditional management has a high scientific and cultural interest; therefore we ask the regional governments to take measures that guarantee the conservation of the whole ecosystem and to prevent their extinction.
Foothold traps for wolf research
WHEREAS it is often necessary to live-trap wolves for research that promotes conservation, and WHEREAS every method of live-capturing animals presents a potential danger to the animal, now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group supports the use of modified steel foothold traps to live-trap wolves for conservation research as being the most efficient, effective, and practical method available of catching wolves while minimizing possible injuries. We believe steel foothold traps represent a method safe enough to be used in any context including wildlife refuges, protected areas or for endangered wolf populations.
Wolves in India
As per the Manifesto on Wolf Conservation (IUCN Wolf Specialist Group) guidelines (A. General 1, 2, 4), we the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group meeting on October 22, 1993 in Leon, Spain, resolve that the denotification of Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary in Kutch, Gujarat, India is of urgent concern as this area is a major stronghold of wolves in India. The wolf is endangered in India. Denotification of Narayan Sarovar will be detrimental for the survival of the wolf and its major prey the Chinkara. We ask the Indian Government to reconsider this denotification.
Wolves in Croatia
The present low population level of wolves in Croatia (around 30 individuals) suggest the need to establish the status of full protection for this species. Eventually, problem individuals may be controlled on the basis of specifically issued permits, as well as when they roam out of proposed range. Sport hunting of wolves should not be considered until the habitat carrying capacity is reached.
August 25, 1992:
WSG Supports red wolf recovery
Be it resolved that the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group supports the continuation of present recovery efforts for the red wolf as directed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When additional data become available regarding the genetic and taxonomic issues concerning this species, we reserve the right to re-evaluate this resolution.
European wolf network branch of WSG
WHEREAS present European wolf conservation and recovery requires close coordination between European Countries, and WHEREAS Europeans can meet more frequently and efficiently through a European Wolf Network, and WHEREAS the long-term recovery and conservation of European wolves is best served under the auspices of the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group, be it resolved that the European Wolf Network become a recognized branch of the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group. To ensure wolf conservation direction is consistent and not in opposition to IUCN Wolf Specialist Group philosophies contained in the Wolf Manifesto, be it further resolved that the majority of the proposed organizing committee of the European Wolf Network be composed of European members of the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group.
Resolution supporting live capture of wolf in Mexico
WHEREAS livestock depredation by a wild wolf may be occurring on a ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico and knowing that a permit was issued allowing the capture of this wolf, and WHEREAS this wolf would likely be killed if not removed from the area, and recognizing that the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group recommends that priority be given to determining the status of wild populations of wolves in Mexico and the feasibility of preserving wild populations in place, be it resolved that the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group supports the live capture of this depredating wolf and the appropriate use of this wolf to augment captive populations as determined by proper wildlife officials in Mexico, and
Be it further resolved, that the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group recommends that the Mexican Government submit a proposal for assessing the status of wolves in the wild in Mexico for consideration by the U.S./Mexico Joint Committee on Wildlife Conservation at the Committee’s next meeting scheduled for December 1992.
Resolution re bounties in the Soviet Union
WHEREAS the present guidelines on wolf conservation in the IUCN Wolf Manifesto do not support the use of bounty systems in wolf management anywhere in the world, be it resolved that the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group recommends that all republics of the former Soviet Union cease the use of wolf bounties by any agency including state or local nature conservation committees.
April 24, 1990:
Wolf-dog hybrid regulation
WHEREAS hybridization between wolves and dogs and the keeping of these hybrids as pets is becoming increasingly common in various countries, and especially in the United States and Canada; WHEREAS most wolf-dog hybrids are poorly adapted to be pets, and there have been numerous fatal and non-fatal attacks on people and domestic animals which, in addition to being tragic and avoidable, detract from the public perception of wild wolves; and WHEREAS the perpetuation of these hybrids has no scientific or educational value; and WHEREAS the ease with which escaped or unwanted hybrids can interbreed with wild wolves threatens the genetic integrity of wild populations, now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN-SSC Wolf Specialist Group views the existence and expansion of wolf-dog hybrids as a threat to wolf conservation and recommends that governments and appropriate regulatory agencies prohibit or at least strictly regulate interbreeding between wolves and dogs and the keeping of these animals as pets.
August 14, 1988:
Endorsing establishment of AN International Wolf Center – Ely, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS wolves are found through many countries in the northern hemisphere, and WHEREAS wolf education, conservation, research, and management are of international importance, and WHEREAS the proposed International Wolf Center will promote wolf education on an international basis, now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group endorses the establishment of an International Wolf Center, Ely, Minnesota.
Resolution to SEDUE, Mexico expressing concern about the Mexican wolf in THE wild
Since the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group is concerned with the fate of the Mexican Wolf, a critically endangered animal, this Group hereby expresses its concern about actions being taken to insure the preservation of this species in the wild, and the possibility of reintroducing into the wild animals produced by the captive breeding program.
Resolution to the USFWS re captive breeding program for Mexican wolves
Since the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group is concerned with the fate of the Mexican wolf, a critically endangered animal, this group hereby expresses its concern regarding a lack of information concerning the status of the wild populations from which captive Mexican wolves were originally taken, and the future of the captive breeding program itself.
Resolution to Alaska Department of Fish and Game regarding Non-lethal management techniques for managing predation
WHEREAS it is sometimes necessary to manage wolf predation in Canada and Alaska in order to minimize conflicts with other wildlife populations or domestic livestock, and
WHEREAS the long-term coexistence of man and wolves is at times dependent on limiting wolf numbers or distribution, and
WHEREAS presently available means used to regulate wolf predation are highly controversial, and
WHEREAS potential exists for the development of more acceptable, non-lethal methods of wolf predation management,
now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group encourages investigations of non-lethal management techniques for managing predation. It is important that any secondary biological or ecological effects of such methods be considered.
Resolution to the Soviet Union to discontinue wolf reduction in Soviet Union
WHEREAS various IUCN-SSC Wolf Specialist Group members have heard that efforts to reduce wolf numbers in the Soviet Union have increased dramatically in recent years, and
WHEREAS various reports indicate that drastic reduction of wolves is occurring even in Nature Reserves and other protected areas with methods including poison,
now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN-SSC Wolf Specialist Group recommends the discontinuance of the drastic reduction of wolves and the use of poison in nature reserves and other protected areas, and the discontinuance of use of poison for wolves anywhere in the Soviet Union.
August 9-11, 1985:
Reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone
WHEREAS the IUCN/SSC WSG is concerned about survival of wolves throughout their original range, and WHEREAS the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) formerly supported a wolf population which now appears extinct, and WHEREAS the GYE currently has a suitable area prey base and land use to sustain wolves, now therefore be it resolved that IUCN recommends re-establishment of the wolf in the GYE as soon as it is feasible.
Reintroduction of red wolves to North Carolina
WHEREAS the IUCN/SSC WSG is concerned about survival of wolves throughout their original range, and WHEREAS the red wolf is extinct in the wild, and WHEREAS North Carolina supported red wolves and includes the Dare Co. peninsula which appears to have a suitable area, prey base and land use to sustain red wolves, now therefore be it resolved that SSC recommend re-establishment of the red wolf in the Dare Co. peninsula.
Study of wolves in Spain
WHEREAS the IUCN/SSC WSG is concerned about the conservation of wolves through their range, and WHEREAS little is known about wolf ecology in Spain, and WHEREAS ecologically sound wolf management must be based on adequate information and WHEREAS the question of proper wolf management in Spain is a current issue, now therefore be it resolved that SSC highly recommends and endorses a scientific study of wolves in Spain.
If help is needed, we are ready to provide it.
Resolution to maintain the Italian wolf population
The IUCN/SSC Wolf Group, at its meeting held in Edmonton, Canada on August 15, 1985 recognizing that the actual status of the wolf in Italy is threatened particularly by:
a. high chances of hybridization with dogs, due to the very high numbers of stray and feral dogs which inhabit most of the wolf range.
b. high chances of genetic drifts, due to the small wolf numbers involved, especially in the marginal parts of the range.
c. the forthcoming actions to control the spread of wild rabies in Central and Southern Italy, urges the Italian authorities:
1. to undertake the most effective management actions to control the numbers of stray and feral dogs, also as a mean to prevent further occasions of contact with wolves and to limit the amount of losses due to depredation on livestock.
2. to initiate as soon as possible a captive programme to maintain a viable wolf population as a back-up service to prevent any accidental irreversible loss of the Italian wolf genetic peculiarity.
The IUCN/SSC Wolf Group also brings the above resolution to the attention of any Italian and international NGO and calls for their consideration and support.
September 8-9, 1989:
Strengthening Swedish Law
Considering the high risk of extinction of the wolf population in Scandinavia due to the very low numbers of wolves, and considering the great scientific value to these animals, since the original description of the species was done by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linne.
Now therefore be it resolved that the IUCN/SSC Wolf Specialist Group believes that there should be an increase in the number of wolf breeding units in forested areas outside of reindeer management zones in the central part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This will require recognizing the following: (1) that the status of the wolf is much more critical than the status of other large carnivores and that therefore wolves must be treated differently from the other large carnivores, (2) that the wolf protection laws need strengthening and consistency between Norway and Sweden, (3) that further efforts will be required at educating the public about the true nature of the wolf and its ecology, (4) that it is vital to the Scandinavian wolf population to receive dispersing wolves from Finland and thus we repeat our earlier resolution asking for additional wolf protection in Finland, (5) that steps should be taken to minimize wolf conflicts with livestock, and (6) that after establishment of a viable wolf population in Scandinavia, taking of wolves outside of the central area could be more liberal.
Furthermore, we fully support the provisions of the Berne Convention and the Council of Europe, and we hope that, as with many other issues, Norway and Sweden can serve as an example for other countries with fewer resources which also need to preserve their wolf populations.
To these ends, the Wolf Specialist Group offers its help and advice.
May 18-23, 1981:
Wolf Control to Increase Caribou
The Canadian Wolf Workshop with 64 attendees held in Edmonton, Alberta by the Wolf Specialist Group on May 12-14, 1981, recognized that the Beverly and Kaminuriak caribou herds in NWT, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have seriously declined since 1949, and may be extinct within a decade if present trends continue.
Hunting and wolf predation are the primary sources of mortality. Recruitment to the Kaminuriak herd has averaged 10%. The adult mortality rate is 7.2%, leaving a surplus of only 2.8% for hunters. Hunting mortality increased form 5 to 6% in 1968 to at least 12% in 1980, and continues to increase.
The Wolf Workshop recommended that hunting be limited to 1,000 males per year for the Kaminuriak Herd and 3,000 males for the Beverly Herd. This restricted kill should prevent further decline, but for the herds to recover, it will be necessary to temporarily reduce wolf numbers to increase calf survival.
Because wolves in northern Canada depend on caribou, the caribou herds must be saved. If these recommendations relative to curtailment of hunting and management of wolf numbers are implemented, they should be subject to annual review and evaluation as the program progresses and new data accumulate. The Wolf Specialist Group endorses these recommendations by the Canadian Wolf Workshop and recommends that coincidental with the management program, additional research on wolf-caribou interactions should be conducted.
In addition, because of the possible adverse affects on wolf conservation in other countries, the Wolf Specialist Group cannot endorse the use of poison for the Canadian control program, and it recommends that wolf control be restricted to caribou areas. Furthermore, the Group emphasizes that wolf control should be discontinued when human harvesting of caribou cows is resumed.
Finally, the Wolf Specialist Group calls attention to Item No. 7 of the 1973 IUCN “Declaration of Principles for Wolf Conservation.”
August 15-18, 1979:
Wolves in the Sinai
The Group agreed to write Egypt and recommend that its government pass a law giving the Sinai wolves the same protection they have under Israeli law.
Bounties IN GREECE
Where bounties are still paid for the killing of wolves, payments should be made on the basis of skulls which should be examined by a scientist before being accepted as a basis on which annual wolf harvest figures are based.