OFAH Insider: A look at the draft Algonquin wolf recovery strategy

The draft Algonquin wolf recovery strategy posted on the Environmental Registry in January recommends a ban on hunting and trapping in a massive 39,000-square-kilometre area of central Ontario. To be very clear, the recovery objective in the strategy is to expand the Algonquin wolf’s range beyond Algonquin Provincial Park and the three other areas identified as core habitat, where the populations are stable. Hybridization a threat There are many problems with this objective and the OFAH is absolutely opposed to these additional proposed restrictions. First and foremost, the proposed ban includes Eastern coyotes. Hybridization with coyotes has been and will continue to be the primary threat to the Algonquin wolf. Secondly, we simply aren’t convinced that blanket protections will actually contribute to Algonquin wolf recovery, as much of the area identified for future range expansion is not suitable habitat. It is too populated with people and other canids — coyotes, wolves, and hybrids — leaving no room for Algonquin wolf packs to expand and establish. It is naive to think that a hunting and trapping ban will somehow magically make Eastern coyotes disappear from the ban area, prevent further hybridization, and create a sustainable population of Algonquin wolves outside of their core areas. My question to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is — why the big rush? Algonquin wolf sustainability The sustainability of the Algonquin wolf in its core range is not in jeopardy. The recovery strategy acknowledges there are data gaps and incomplete information. The MNRF is required to produce a government response statement following the recovery strategy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t wait until there is more complete information before making a final decision on expanding restrictions outside of core areas. A decision to do so would certainly be bad for hunters, bad for trappers, bad for farmers, and potentially even bad for the Algonquin wolf. Unfortunately, when it comes to implementing the Endangered Species Act we see a recurring pattern. MNRF tends to gloss over lack of data and questionable science and make decisions based on emotion and pressure from protectionist groups who always seem to target hunting and trapping despite weak science to suggest they are the problem. Perhaps we are naive to think that resource management should be based on sound science and logical decision making. Originally published in the April 2018 issue of Ontario Out of Doors For more wolves, click here Click