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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Boise, Idaho » Northwest Watershed Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #273086
Title: A perspective on livestock-wolf interactions on western rangelands

Author
item BECK, STEWART - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item Clark, Pat
item HOWERY, LARRY - University Of Arizona
item JOHNSON, DOUGLAS - Oregon State University
item KLUEVER, BRYAN - Hayden-Wing Associates, Llc
item SMALLIDGE, SAMUEL - New Mexico State University
item CIBILS, ANDRES - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2012
Publication Date: 10/5/2012
Citation: Beck, S., Clark, P., Howery, L., Johnson, D., Kluever, B., Smallidge, S., Cibils, A.F. 2012. A perspective on livestock-wolf interactions on western rangelands. Rangelands. 34(5):6-11.

Interpretive Summary: The reintroduction of wolves into western U.S. has stimulated considerable debate among concerned stakeholders about the feasibility of harmonizing multiple land-use demands when preservation of a large predator becomes a central management goal. Debates concerning impact of wolves on rangeland livestock production proceed without a scientific foundation, particularly, regarding concerns of altered livestock behavior and consequent changes in resource use. This article seeks to provide a science-based perspective to inform the wolf-livestock on-going debate; and to suggest research approaches that could lead to locally-relevant solutions. Promoting a science-based perspective on this complex issue will help reduce conflict associated with gray wolf reintroduction.

Technical Abstract: The reintroduction of wolves into their historical ranges in western North America is possibly one of the most ambitious ecosystem restoration efforts of the recent past. This initiative has been controversial and has stimulated considerable debate among concerned stakeholders about the feasibility of harmonizing multiple land use demands when preservation of a large predator becomes a central management goal. This article seeks to: a) provide a science-based perspective to inform the wolf-livestock on-going debate; and b) suggest research approaches that could lead to locally-relevant solutions.