Practical application of disease risk analysis for reintroducing gray wolves (Canis lupus) to Isle Royale National Park, USA

Abstract Evaluation of disease risks associated with wildlife translocations is important for minimizing unintended harm and achieving conservation goals. A framework for disease risk analysis (DRA) has been developed by the World Organization for Animal Health and International Union for Conservati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Conservation Science and Practice
Main Authors: Michelle L. Verant, Tiffany M. Wolf, Mark C. Romanski, Seth Moore, Treana Mayer, Ulrike G. Munderloh, Lisa D. Price, Mandigandan Lejeune, Brent R. Patterson, Dean E. Beyer
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2022
Subjects:
conservation
disease risk analysis
Isle Royale
ma'iingan
Minong
risk management
Ecology
QH540-549.5
General. Including nature conservation
geographical distribution
QH1-199.5
Canis lupus
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12814
https://doaj.org/article/453a84c12e784194bd9e0d85dc898670
Description
Summary:Abstract Evaluation of disease risks associated with wildlife translocations is important for minimizing unintended harm and achieving conservation goals. A framework for disease risk analysis (DRA) has been developed by the World Organization for Animal Health and International Union for Conservation of Nature, but applications for planning and implementation in wildlife conservation projects are limited. To fill this gap, we describe a DRA we conducted to identify, assess, and mitigate disease risks associated with reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) to Isle Royale National Park (IRNP). A total of 19 wolves were translocated from multiple locations within the Great Lakes Region to IRNP between September 2018 and September 2019. Integration of the DRA into project planning and use of diverse expertise among project personnel enabled a timely and cost‐effective process that facilitated multidisciplinary and cross‐cultural collaboration, transparent communication about risks and uncertainties, and practical management of disease risks for wildlife and personnel. Engaging disease experts and experienced field biologists in the assessment also helped to identify and account for potential sources of bias. We hope practical examples like this encourage wider adoption of DRA principles in translocations of wildlife for conservation purposes.

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