Which of the following is true of the red wolf recovery program?
a. It has largely taken place in the Western United States, including California and Oregon.
b. It is considered a conservation success story, with wild populations tripling through the program.
c. It has had mixed success, and has faced opposition from private landowners.
d. It was never launched due to failure to secure funding.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: It has had mixed success, and has faced opposition from private landowners.
The red wolf recovery program, launched in the 1980s, is focused on conserving the red wolf (Canis rufus), a species that was once found throughout the southeastern United States but has faced a significant population decline. The program’s primary aim was to reintroduce red wolves into their historical habitat in eastern North Carolina, rather than the Western United States as suggested in option A. The reintroduction was initially successful, with the population reaching over 100 individuals in the wild by the late 1990s.
However, the recovery program has faced significant challenges, making it a case of mixed success. One of the main hurdles has been opposition from private landowners, who have raised concerns over the potential for red wolves to prey on livestock, as well as the wolves’ competition with coyotes and other predators. These concerns have led to legal battles, as well as some landowners refusing to cooperate with recovery efforts. Additionally, hybridization with coyotes has further complicated the program’s success, as some red wolves have interbred with coyotes, diluting the genetic purity of the species.
Furthermore, the program has been hindered by inconsistent funding and support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has affected its long-term sustainability. Although the program has helped raise awareness about the plight of the red wolf, the species still faces a precarious future in the wild.
In conclusion, while the red wolf recovery program has made progress, it remains an ongoing effort with mixed results. The program has experienced success in reintroducing wolves but has encountered significant opposition from various stakeholders, preventing it from achieving full recovery.