Assessing Use of Marine Derived Salmon in Wolf Diets Across Alaskan Parks
Project ID: J8W07100010
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Fiscal Year: 2010
Initial Funding: $31,391
Total Funding: $94,625
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: Alaska Region
Principal Investigator: Welker, Jeffrey
Agreement Technical Representative: Shephard, Michael
Abstract: This project is a collaborative effort to collect and analyze wolf guard hair samples (and selected prey samples) from recent and ongoing tracking or trapping programs across Alaska and from museum collections. Samples will be analyzed for the stable isotopes 13C and 15N. This project has two main objectives: to assess the proportion of marine-derived nutrients (i.e., salmon, marine mammals) in wolf diets across Alaska, and to evaluate if there have been changes in the use of marine based prey over time. Results will be evaluated for spatial and temporal patterns of salmon use by wolves. The project will produce science-based information to support management of wolf populations in Alaska in accordance with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. ANILCA mandates that National Parks in Alaska be managed for “natural and healthy” wildlife populations. Information from this project will support this goal.
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