Isle Royale wolves have, for only the second time in more than four decades, failed to reproduce this season. They also did not reproduce in 2012. These findings are important because it is a sign that the island’s wolves are struggling to survive after generations of inbreeding, disease and isolation. Because of this geographic isolation, they have very little variety in the gene pool which has caused a number of genetic disease. For example, researchers have not found a wolf with a healthy spine on Isle Royale for over 15 years. The case of Isle Royale speaks to the need for adequate land and space for wolves to disperse and connect with other populations of wolves. thetimesherald/story/travel/michigan/2014/10/23/bad-news-isle-royale-wolves/17765557/
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 17:37:01 +0000
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