2.1.5 Isle Royale Case Study/News

Learn about the wolves and moose population changes on Isle Royale, a large island in the middle of Lake Superior. This is a classic case in population dynamics and is one of the longest running population experiments in the US. The wolves have been in the news lately because of the harsh winter of 2014 - a wolf was able to leave the island (very unusual) because Lake Superior froze more (90% total) than any other year since 1979 (typically it freezes 30-40%).

Figure 2.1.6 A moose near Tobin Harbor on Isle Royale, 2008. Photo by Ray Dumas. 

Figure 2.1.7 Moose and Wolf relationship sign in Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Taken around the Rock Harbor area in Isle Royale National Park. Photo by Joe Ross.

Read this press release about wolves at Isle Royale and also view the dynamic population graphs online over the course of the last 50 years. Answer the questions below:

1. How have these populations changed over time?
   
   
   
   
2. What factors affect growth and death of wolves?
   
   
   
   
3. What factors affect growth and death of the moose?
   
   
   
   
4. Should scientists bring new wolves to the Isle?
   
   
   
   
5. Why is the genetic diversity of the wolves important?
   
   
   
   
6. How else can humans help the wolves?
   
   
   
   
7. What other animals do you find interesting in this National Park?