Myth-busting Study: Wolf Killing Spurs Wolf Poaching Alert wolves
Wolf managers, listen up: A study published this week finds that thinning wolf populations
actually decreases public tolerance for wolves and leads to more poaching.
The analysis of wolf populations in Wisconsin and Michigan, by scientists Adrian Treves and Guillaume Chapron, undermines assertions by government officials and opponents of wolf protection that culling wolves is necessary to mollify the segment of the human population that might otherwise poach the animals. In fact the study -- involving 18 years of data -- found that when wolf culling was allowed, poaching increased as well; when wolves were protected from culling, poaching decreased.
"This important study should trigger more humane, science-based management of wolves," said the Center's Michael Robinson. "One of the best things governments can do to cut poaching is to send the message that wolves have a high public value and deserve to be treated accordingly."
Read more in our
press release and check out this
cool video explaining the study using Playmobil figures.