Isle Royale wolves inbred but likely to survive, study says

Researchers have discovered that the wolves introduced to Isle Royale in 2018 are expected to survive despite facing challenges from inbreeding and isolation. The island had only two inbred wolves in 2016, leading to the introduction of 19 new wolves between 2018 and 2019. A study published in Conservation Science and Practice indicates that the wolf population has an 80% chance of persisting for the next 20 years, although inbreeding remains a significant concern.

The overall wolf population has increased since the study concluded, but the moose population, which serves as a crucial food source for the wolves, has experienced a sharp decline. This decline raises additional concerns for the delicate ecosystem on the island.

Brief written by urgent.news from Mongabay's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.