Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide - Cincinnati Zoo and ...cincinnatizoo.org › ... › 2011 › 03 › Wolf-Woods-Interpretive-Guide-200… · Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide, 5/9/05 3

Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide

2005

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com

http://www.pdffactory.com

Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide, 5/9/05 2

Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide Table of Contents Pages Interpretive Theme 3 Exhibit Components List 4 Signage Text 5 Resources 30




Wolf Woods Interpretive Theme Interpretive theme Conservation efforts are restoring North American habitats and the species that inhabit them, including the river otter and the Mexican wolf. Sub-themes

1. Through conservation efforts, Ohio woodlands and many of its species are making a comeback.

a. Ohio woodlands were once abundant and home to a diversity of species. b. Ohio woodlands and many of its species were greatly depleted during the 19th

century due to deforestation and over-hunting. c. Ohio woodlands and many of its species, river otters, in particular, have made a

remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. 2. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure a future in the wild for the endangered

Mexican gray wolf. a. The wolf is superbly adapted to play the important role of a predator. b. The endangered Mexican wolf faces an uncertain future in the wild. c. Conservation efforts are helping to restore and manage a population of Mexican

wolves in the wild.




Wolf Woods Exhibit Components The first section along the Wolf Woods trail focuses on the conservation stories of the Ohio woodlands and its species, highlighting the North American river otter. The second section focuses on the conservation story of the Mexican gray wolf and thick-billed parrot, both native to the southwestern United States. Featured species on exhibit (in order of appearance): Gray fox North American river otter (3 viewing windows, including one underwater view) Wild turkey Striped skunk Mexican gray wolf (3 viewing areas, including one from inside a cabin) Thick-billed parrot Mexican Wolf Research Station (cabin) A rustic, historical trapper’s cabin has been converted into a Mexican wolf field research station. The cabin is loosely divided into two regions titled “Be a Wolf” and “Be a Wolf Biologist.” “Be a Wolf” This area is for children and includes a crawlspace that encourages them to imagine what it would be like as a wolf pup inside a den. From inside the crawlspace, the children can peek into the wolf den through a secret window and view pup behaviors being played on a monitor. Outside of the crawlspace, flip panels ask questions about what life would be like if you were a wolf. “Be a Wolf Biologist” This section has interpretive areas that target both children and adults:

• Open Inquiry Biofacts Station As children explore a biofacts table featuring wolf and elk skulls, wolf and elk scat and wolf and elk footprint casts, they are encouraged to ask research questions and use the tools provided to discover the answers.

• Researcher’s Workspace This space is targeted at visitors age 12 and older. As visitors explore the various components of the workspace, they learn how biologists are working to reintroduce wolves back into the wild through the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program. The area includes a monitor showing a 90 Second Naturalist on the wolf story, a bulletin board featuring brochures, signs and other informational pieces, and a yearly wall calendar and range map that chronicles the story of a reintroduced wolf pack they are studying.

• Observation Activity Visitors are encouraged to help us learn more about our wolves by collecting and submitting observational data on our exhibit wolves.




Exhibit Signage Text (in order of encounter)

Ohio wildlife-focused area: Centuries of Wildlife in Ohio Over the past two centuries, Ohio’s forests and wildlife have endured a roller coaster ride of decline and recovery. 1800s When Ohio became a state in 1803, more than 95% of its land was covered with forest teeming with wildlife including black bears, wolves and bison. As settlers moved in, they cut down forests to farm and polluted rivers. Wildlife suffered from the dramatic habitat destruction as well as from unregulated hunting. 1900s Less than 10% of Ohio remained forested by the early 1900s. Gradually, people became concerned about the environment. In 1949, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was established to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources. Forests and wildlife began to reclaim the land. 2000s Today, approximately 30% of Ohio is forested and wildlife populations are the healthiest they’ve been in the last century. Many species, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, have recovered fully, while others are well along the path to success, including the river otter and bald eagle. Continued conservation, however, will be necessary to restore Ohio’s forests and wildlife to their full glory. Timeline of events: 1829 First Ohio law to protect wildlife 1835 Elk disappear from Ohio 1850 Bobcats, wolves and beavers disappear from the state 1857 First fish and songbird protection laws 1900 Lacey Act to preserve game and wild birds 1913 First resident hunting license required 1917 First trapping license required 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act 1920 First Ohio wildlife area established 1923 Deer return to Ohio 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act (Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration) 1940 Eagle Protection Act 1949 Ohio Department of Natural Resources established 1950s Turkeys reintroduced to Ohio 1952 Dingell-Johnson Act (Federal Aid in Aquatic Restoration) 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 1970 Clean Air Act; bobcat sightings first reported since 1850 1973 U.S. and Ohio Endangered Species Acts 1977 Clean Water Act




1979 Ohio bald eagle restoration began 1983 State income tax check-off for wildlife established 1986 Ohio river otter, osprey, peregrine falcon and trumpeter swan reintroduction began 1989 North American Wetlands Conservation Act 1995 Bald eagles federally reclassified to “threatened” 2002 River otters removed from Ohio endangered species list Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus A woodland animal, the well camouflaged gray fox is the only member of the canid family that can climb trees and sun itself, although it’s typically nocturnal. The gray fox has a distinctive bark and will also squeal and growl. Following Forests Though still found throughout the state, gray fox populations in Ohio declined as forests were cleared by settlers. Range: Southern Canada to northern South America Fact File Length: 1.8 to 2.7 ft Weight: 5 to 14 lbs Lifespan: 6 to 8 yrs in the wild Habitat: Woodland Diet: Small mammals and birds, some insects, eggs, fruits, and seeds




Layers of Life: Woodland Plants Before you is a wondrous spectacle of browns and greens that breathes life into a vibrant wildlife community. Ohio is rich in plant diversity, boasting nearly 2,500 different species of native plants, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns, many of which compose the region’s woodlands. The variety of plants, in turn, supports a multitude of animal species. The interactions between the plants, animals and physical environment are the key to a healthy woodland ecosystem. Consider the Canopy Stand still and quiet, and sense the woodland around you. Broken patches of sunlight peek through a canopy of towering white oak, sugar maple and tulip poplar trees. This canopy layer of the largest and tallest trees provides shade, protection, and the fallen leaves that form the nutrient rich humus below. The Understory’s Tale Hear the waves of leaves dancing about as a breeze blows through the understory, the layer of shorter, shade-tolerant trees and shrubs beneath the canopy. A chorus of birds sings as the winged music boxes flutter about the flowering dogwoods, hornbeams, spicebushes and eastern redbuds. From the Forest Floor Smell the damp earth, the spicy aroma of wild ginger, and a slight trace of skunk musk. At your feet is the forest floor where wildflowers and ferns flourish in the nutrient rich soil. Among the Dutchman’s breeches, jack-in-the-pulpits, celandine poppies and trillium, seedlings of the next generation of trees and shrubs begin to grow. PLANT IDs (not necessarily in this particular order): Spicebush Lindera benzoin The scarlet fruits of this yellow-flowering woodland shrub are eaten by many kinds of wildlife from robins to raccoons. The leaves of this understory plant also provide food for wildlife such as the caterpillar of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.

Yellowwood Cladrastis kentukea A member of the pea family, the white-flowering yellowwood tree is an endangered species in the wild, found in only a few scattered locations in the eastern United States. Growing up to 70 feet tall, this canopy tree provides shade and protection for woodland wildlife. Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida This small understory tree is often found near woodland edges. It has showy white blooms in spring that produce red fruits in the fall. Many birds, squirrels and other mammals feed on the fruits and disperse the seeds in their droppings.




Paw Paw Asimina triloba The paw paw tree is well known for its large edible fruits, which are relished by wildlife. Tasting like a mix of banana, mango and pineapple, the aromatic fruit also has potential as a new crop for people. Its twigs contain compounds that are being studied for use in anti-cancer drugs and natural pesticides. White Pine Pinus strobus The white pine is an important canopy tree that offers shelter for a variety of wildlife. Its seeds, needles, twigs and bark provide a year-round food source for animals such as squirrels, chickadees, white-tailed deer and porcupines. American Bladdernut Staphylea trifolia The American bladdernut is a native woodland shrub named for the unusual papery and balloon-like seed pods it produces in the autumn. It often grows near stream edges, thus helping to prevent erosion into the streams. Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis The Eastern hemlock is an evergreen tree that grows in cool, moist forests under the shade of a hardwood canopy. Birds, squirrels and other wildlife feed on its seeds. An important lumber tree, Native Americans and early settlers made tea, dye and brooms from this tree. Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens The native smooth hydrangea shrub blooms in midsummer with huge clusters of white flowers that are pollinated by bees, butterflies and other insects. The root of the hydrangea has been used for hundreds of years as a herbal remedy for prostate and kidney related ailments.

Redbud Cercis canadensis A member of the bean family, redbud announces the arrival of spring with its beautiful pink flowers that bloom in early spring before it leafs out. The nectar bees gather from its flowers is an important component of honey and its seeds are eaten by a variety of wildlife. Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis The hackberry tree is related to the American elm and grows well into the canopy. It produces purplish-brown fruits that are eaten by dozens of native bird species that then spread the tree’s seeds throughout the forest in their droppings.




Sugar Maple Acer saccharum The sugar maple is one of the largest and most valuble hardwood trees. The winged fruits are valuable wildlife food. In early spring, the sap of mature trees can be collected and boiled down to produce maple syrup. In fall, the tree’s leaves boast spectacular color. Red Oak Quercus rubra Of the hundreds of acorns produced by a large red oak tree each year, 80% or more are eaten by insects, rodents, deer and birds. The acorns buried in shallow soil by squirrels have the best chance of taking root and sprouting. A seedling grows rapidly into a tree that may someday stand nearly 100 feet tall. Tracking Ohio’s Wildlife To which animal does each track below belong? (Flip panels: 3-D track casts on top & info/illus of animals underneath) White-tailed deer disappeared from Ohio in the early 1900s. Now they are back in higher numbers than ever since their natural predators are still gone. The beaver disappeared from Ohio in the mid-1800s but has bounced back to healthy levels today. The last gray wolf known in Ohio was killed in 1842. It is unlikely that wolves will ever return to Ohio. The number of nesting pairs of bald eagles dropped to an all-time low of four in Ohio in 1979. Reintroduction efforts have helped restore eagles to Ohio. Today there are more than 100 pairs nesting in the state. Bison used to live in Ohio forests but they were wiped out of the state by the 1800s. By 1850, black bears were no longer found in Ohio. Though still endangered in Ohio, black bears are moving back in from eastern states.




North American River Otter Lutra canadensis Ranging over much of North America, the river otter survives anywhere with access to abundant prey and clean water. Except for mothers with young, the river otter lives alone. It dens in a riverbank burrow, under a rock pile, in a thicket or even in another animal’s home such as a beaver’s lodge. Purposeful Play The river otter is famous for its playful antics - mud sliding, water sports and manipulating objects - which increases coordination and sharpens hunting skills. Range: Canada and the United States Fact File Length: 3.2 to 3.9 ft Weight: 11 to 33 lbs Lifespan: 10 to 15 yrs Habitat: Freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and coastal waters Prey: Fish, crayfish, ducklings, turtles, and other small animals Aquatic Experts The otter is built for swimming. Lift up the panels to discover the amazing adaptations that help an otter underwater. (Flip panels name the adaptation on top and describe it underneath) Ear Small ears and nostrils close tight to keep out water. Eye Otters can see just as well underwater as they do above water. Whiskers Hundreds of whiskers feel around for prey on the muddy river bottom. Heart Heart rate slows down when diving to use less oxygen. Shape A streamlined body shape makes swimming through water easy and fast. Flexibility A flexible body allows the otter to make sharp turns and explore tight spaces. Feet Webbed feet provide a powerful push through the water. Tail A strong muscular tail steers the otter in the right direction. Fur A thick coat of waterproof fur keeps the otter warm and dry.




The Otter’s Feast The otter is a carnivore and eats up to three pounds of food a day. That equals about a dozen hamburgers! It comes up with clever ways to catch its prey. The otter spots a fish from above. It dives down and chases after the fish, grabbing hold of the slippery prey with its sharp teeth. Breaking a hole in a beaver’s dam, the otter waits for the water to pour out. Then it feasts on all the stranded fish and frogs left behind. The otter uses its sensitive whiskers to feel around for crayfish hiding among the mud and rocks. From below, an otter ambushes a duckling floating on the water. Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo The turkey was so popular to hunt and eat in the 1800s that its population plummeted and it actually disappeared from Ohio by 1904. Fortunately, reintroduction and reforestation efforts have helped the wild turkey recover. Turkeys can be found in mature forest, feeding on ground by day and roosting in trees at night. Gobble, gobble A large bearded tom turkey struts, fans its tail feathers and gobble to attract hens. Range: North America Fact File Length: 4 ft Weight: 7 to 24 lbs Wingspan: 3.5 to 4.5 ft Lifespan: 5 to 8 yrs Habitat: Forest and forest edges Diet: Insects, grasses, leaves, seeds, nuts, fruits and roots




Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis The skunk is famous for its stinky defense. It first warns an intruder by fluffing its fur, arching its back, stamping its feet and lifting its tail. As a last resort, the skunk raises its tail and sprays a foul-smelling liquid at the intruder’s eyes. They can spray up to 15 feet away with incredible accuracy. The spray causes temporary blindness and burning, giving the skunk time to escape. Trash or Treasure? The skunk has actually benefited from an increasing human presence, using our trash as a source of food and residing in any dry, dark and sheltered spot. Range: Central Canada to northern Mexico Fact File Length: 1 to 2.5 ft Weight: 5.5 to 14 lbs Lifespan: 8 to 10 yrs Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands and urban areas Diet: Small animals such as mice, frogs, crayfish, insects and grubs; eggs, fruits, seeds, carrion, and leftover human food




A Disease in Disguise: Invasive Plants Like uninvited house guests, once invasive plants take root in an area, it’s not too long before the original residents are pushed out. Invasive plants are those non-native or exotic species that find their way into an ecosystem and out-compete the native plants. They might seem innocent and pretty, but with no natural predators or diseases to control their populations, these intruders spread like wildfire and use up resources that native plants need. Invasive plants threaten to destroy the dynamic diversity upon which a healthy wildlife community depends. The Five Least Wanted Species: Amur Honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii Description: A shrub that produces fragrant flowers and red berries Offenses: Amur honeysuckle rapidly invades and takes over an area, forming a dense shrub layer which crowds out and competes with native plants for pollinators. The berries do not provide the high-fat, nutrient-rich content migrating birds require. Species: Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata Description: A biennial herb (non-woody plant that grows over two seasons) that produces white flowers Offenses: Garlic mustard aggressively monopolizes light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space, leaving few resources to native herbs and wildflowers upon which native animals depend for food. Species: Japanese Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica Description: A woody semi-evergreen vine that produces fragrant flowers and purple berries Offenses: A dual offender, the Japanese honeysuckle’s vines create dense patches that block light and girdle young trees and shrubs while its extensive root system crowds out native plants. Species: Wintercreeper, Euonymus fortunei Description: A low, leafy and evergreen ground cover Offenses: Wintercreeper chokes out native plants by depleting soil moisture and nutrients, blocking sunlight and forming a dense cover through which native seedlings have difficulty emerging. Species: Lesser Celadine, Ranunculus ficaria Description: A perennial herb (a yearly non-woody plant) with glossy leaves and yellow flowers Offenses: Quickly colonizes and forms a dense mat that inhibits the growth of native wildflowers




An Otter’s Place in Nature Color illustration of otter chasing fish, fish eating insect larva, insect larva eating plants with the following statements to describe the scene:

The otter eats fish. The fish eat smaller animals and plants. The smaller animals eat plants. The plants make food from the sun’s energy.

Building Biodiversity The otter’s presence increases the biodiversity of watershed throughout North America. Keep Nature Balanced Too many plant-eating animals can crowd the water and eat too many plants. By feeding on these animals, the otter helps keep the ecosystem balanced. A Healthy Sign Otters are only found where the water is clean enough for plants and small animals to live there. An otter is a sign of a healthy lake or river. Tracking Otters How do biologists know how many river otters are around and where they can be found? Each winter they fly over the state to spot signs of otters, such as belly slide trails left in the snow. They also look for tracks, latrine sites and scat along riverbanks near bridge crossings. Biologists then combine the survey information with public reports of otter sightings to estimate the otter population. Be an Otter Observer Much of what is known about otters in Ohio comes from people like you. If you see an otter in the wild, call the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE to file an Observation Report. River Otter Reproduction What’s wrong? Few river otters in zoos are reproducing and the captive population is dwindling. What’s the Cincinnati Zoo to do? The Zoo is studying the reproductive biology of otters in zoos across the nation using methods such as fecal hormone analysis and behavioral observation. A better understanding of otter reproduction should increase the success of captive breeding.




Conservation Highlights: The River Otter’s Return River otters are native to Ohio and are becoming common throughout the state and the Midwest once again. Thanks to conservation efforts, river otters have recovered from their disappearance in the early 1900s. They continue to spread throughout the state’s waterways. Reintroduction The Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s Division of Wildlife began a reintroduction effort in 1986. Over the course of seven years, 123 otters were trapped from Arkansas and Louisiana, where otters are common. Humane foothold traps were used to capture the wild otters that were then released in four major watersheds in northeastern Ohio. Crossing Borders The population of otters in Ohio is bolstered by individuals that move in from bordering states where otters remained or were also reintroduced. Cleaner Waters Clean and clear streams, rivers, lakes and ponds that support a healthy prey population are essential to the otter’s survival. The improved quality of Ohio’s waterways has contributed to the otter’s return. Help from Beavers Beavers disappeared from Ohio in the late 1800s. As beavers have gradually moved back into the state, they have improved otter habitat by building dams that create deep, clear pools in which otters can hunt abundant prey. Otters also often take shelter in abandoned beaver lodges. Success Thanks to reintroduction efforts in Ohio and neighboring states, cleaner waterways and healthy beaver populations, otters had become so abundant and widespread throughout Ohio that they were removed from the state endangered species list in 2002. The population continues to increase and expand its range.




Wolf-focused area At first outdoor viewing: Mexican Wolf Canis lupus baileyei The Mexican wolf was exterminated from the wild in 1980. Reintroduction efforts organized through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mexican Wolf Recovery Program are returning Mexican wolves to their former range in the Arizona and New Mexico. Zoos, including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, are helping by housing and breeding the wolves to be released. A Little Gray Also known as “el lobo”, the Mexican wolf is the smallest and most endangered subspecies of the North American gray wolf. Former range: Northern Mexico and southwestern United States Current range: Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, Arizona and New Mexico Fact File Length: 4.5 to 5.5 ft Weight: 60 to 80 lbs Habitat: Mountain and forest Lifespan: 12 to15 yrs in captivity Prey: Elk, deer, peccaries, rabbits, rodents and carrion Status: (Endangered—U.S. Endangered Species Act)




What is a Wolf? Which of the following descriptions fits your idea of a wolf? Top of flip panel: Big and Bad Underneath: Famous stories like Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs teach us that the wolf is a blood-thirsty monster. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Wolves are actually shy and avoid people. Sure, they eat other animals, but they’re not mean, scary or bad. They’re just hungry. Top of flip panel: Pest and Thief Underneath: Some ranchers think that wolves are worthless animals that do nothing but kill and eat their livestock. While wolves do occasionally attack livestock, they favor wild prey like elk and play an important role as predator in the wild. We must work towards ways that people and wolves can live together. Top of flip panel: Teacher and Guide Underneath: Native Americans respect the wolf for its strength, intelligence and hunting skill. The wolf is a teacher and a guide in the ways of the wild. Top of flip panel: A Symbol of Wilderness Underneath: As people come to better understand the wolf, its image is less frightening. In fact, the wolf has become a symbol of wilderness and conservation to many people. Top of flip panel: A “Wild” Dog Underneath: Wolves and dogs are in the same family. In fact, the dogs people keep as pets today are descendents of wolves domesticated over thousands of years. Wolves and dogs share traits such as intelligence and great senses of smell and hearing. Top of flip panel: A Strand in the Web of Life Underneath: The wolf’s job as a predator is important to a healthy ecosystem. By hunting prey, such as elk, wolves keep the prey populations from growing too big and over-grazing the habitat. This balance helps prey populations remain healthy and strong. If something happens to one part of the web, it affects the others.




Inside cabin: Welcome to the Wolf Den Life for a wolf pup begins inside a den. The den is like an underground nursery. There might be 5 or 10 pups in a litter. The pups spend the first few weeks of their lives in the den, sleeping, nursing and playing. As the pups get older, they sneak peeks outside the den. Crawl inside to find out what life inside a den might be like. Den Exit By about 10 weeks old, the pups spend most of their time outside of the den, observing and interacting with their family members to learn how to be a full-grown wolf. If you were a wolf… Flip panel questions & answers: Who would you live with?

Just like people do, you would live in a family group. What would you eat?

Since you’re a carnivore, you would wolf down animals like elk, deer and rabbits. How would you get your dinner?

There are no grocery stores in the wild so you and your pack would have to chase down and catch an animal for dinner.

How would you learn to hunt? You would practice hunting skills through play and watching others hunt.

How would you greet your family? You would sniff, lick and nuzzle their muzzles. Try this next time you see your family!

How would you leave a message for other wolves? You would go to the bathroom to leave behind a scratch-and-sniff post it note. Don’t try this at home!

How would you warn strange wolves to stay out of your territory? You would make a long-distance call by howling. Give it a try! Aah-ooo-oo…




Open Inquiry Biofacts Station: The open inquiry biofacts station for children to explore is basically a wooden box on top of which is mounted the following biofacts:

Wolf and elk track casts Wolf and elk skull replicas Wolf and elk scat Ruler

Questions printed on box: What do I want to know about wolves? How does my hand compare to a wolf paw? How can I identify the tracks of different animals? How do the teeth of predator and prey differ? How can you tell the difference between predator and prey scat? How does a wolf move?

Observation Activity: Intro panel on wall: Help Us Learn About Our Wolves! The wolves on exhibit here are part of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program and may be released back into the wild in the future. It is important to keep track of the wolves’ behavior. This information helps determine which animals should be released. You can help! Panel on wall below intro: Photo/illustration of the wolf habitat divided into labeled sections A-D Separate panels for each wolf: Fact sheets with photos (profiles & head shots): Name: F613 (Adonia) Gender: Female Birth date: May 7, 1999 Name: M566 (Tika) Gender: Male Birth date: May 5, 1998 On shelf/drop box below wall panels: Digital clock with date & temperature Example data sheet Drop slot Directions

1) Help us keep track of how our wolves spend their time. 2) Take a data sheet and a pencil to the right. 3) Record the date, time, temperature and weather on a data sheet.




4) Locate a wolf in the exhibit. 5) Use the photos and tips to identify which wolf you are watching and record it on the data sheet. 6) Use the habitat map to identify in which area the wolf is and record it on the data sheet. 7) Determine what the wolf is doing and check off the appropriate box. Use the list of behaviors as a guide. Remember – only check one box! 8) Drop the data sheet into the slot.

Data sheet Wolf Behavior Data Sheet Date: _____ Time: _____ Temperature: _____ Check the appropriate weather description: _____ Sunny _____ Partly cloudy _____ Overcast/cloudy _____ Raining _____ Snowing Wolf name: _______________ Check which area of the exhibit the wolf is in: _____ A _____ B _____ C _____ D Check the activity that best describes what the wolf is doing: _____ Resting _____ Walking/running _____ Eating/drinking _____ Grooming self _____ Playing with object _____ Interacting with another wolf _____ Howling _____ Other: ___________________ What questions do you have about the wolves? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Comments: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Researcher’s Workspace: A wall calendar and large map of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area follows the story of a hypothetical wolf pack following its release. The calendar highlights the pack’s range and also provides a historical timeline of wolf recovery: History of Wolf Restoration 1870s First ranches established in Arizona and New Mexico 1893 First bounties offered for wolf kills 1914 Government begins wolf extermination program 1970 Last known Mexican wolf killed in the United States 1976 Mexican wolf listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act 1977-1980 Last five wild Mexican wolves captured in Mexico to begin captive breeding program




1982 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approve a Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan 1993 Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan established by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association to manage captive breeding 1996 Captive breeding facilities reach capacity; Defenders of Wildlife establishes the Wolf Compensation Trust to compensate ranchers for livestock losses to wolves 1998 Initial release of 11 wolves into the Blue Range Recovery Area; 5 are

illegally shot First wild-born Mexican wolf pup documented 2001 Three-year review and assessment of Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan 2003 Revision of Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan began; expected completion by

the end of 2005 2004 Current population estimated at approximately 50 wolves in the wild Calendar: Blue Range Pack Release History Notes:

Blue Range Pack was successfully released last September in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona, within the Blue Range Recovery Area

Pack members (at time of release): AM347 (alpha male), AF220 (alpha female), M424 (adult male), f601 (subadult female), m622 (subadult male) January

Radio-telemetry and howling surveys indicate that the pack remains in its original home range

Observed AM347 and m622 feeding on an elk carcass February

Spoke with a Cub Scout group about the pack’s progress and role in the wolf recovery program

f601 trapped and taken to Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility for treatment of an injured leg

March

Spotted an uncollared wolf traveling with the pack during an aerial survey Investigated a reported cattle depredation and determined the cow died of natural causes

April Den site located and pups are present! Worked with a Wildlife Guardian to put up area

closure signs to protect the den. f601 released back into the wild following a recovery from her leg injury; quickly joined

back up with the pack May

Trapped and collared a previously unknown wolf, F892, that has been traveling with pack




Confirmed predation of a calf on a local ranch. Set up a Radio Activated Guard Box to keep wolves out of the pasture with flashing lights and loud noises. Defenders of Wildlife compensated rancher for livestock loss. June

M424 continues to harass livestock. Attempting to capture and translocate him. Pup tracks discovered near the river suggest that at least three pups have emerged from the

den July

f601 found dead from a gunshot wound near camp site. Reward offered for information leading to an arrest for the illegal shooting.

Held a community meeting to discuss their concerns and fears of living with wolves August

M424 trapped and returned to captivity at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility. Soft release of captive wolf, M505—put him in a mesh acclimation pen within the pack’s

area. He chewed his way out (self-released) within 3 days. Hopefully he will join the pack. September

F892 slipped her radio-collar, which was found alongside a hiking trail. Search flights failed to locate her.

Radio-telemetry indicates that m622 has dispersed, leaving the pack behind as he travels west October

M505 has joined up with the pack; may rival AM347 for alpha male status Trapped and processed two of the pups—mp991 and fp992—both in healthy condition; still

trying to capture and process third pup November

Deer hunter reported an altercation between a wolf and his dogs at a campsite Translocated m622 from private land outside of the Blue Range Recovery Area back into the

Primary Recovery Zone December

Investigated a report of a wolf mortality due to vehicle collision; it turned out to be a large coyote

Met with the Interagency Field Team to discuss plans for translocating M424 in the future. He will be paired with a female while in captivity, and they will be released together next year. In small type at the bottom of the calendar: The information presented is the truth-based but fictional story of a hypothetical wolf pack.




Postcard/letter from rancher thanking them for help with preventing continued depredation of his cattle by wolves: Dear Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, Last month, I lost a calf to a pack of wolves. I just wanted to thank you for sending your team out to my ranch to investigate. They put up some Radio Activated Guard boxes to run off collared wolves that approach with noise and flashing lights. I haven’t had any problems with the wolves harassing my herd since. Sincerely, John Smith, Pine Valley Ranch, Arizona Flyer: How You Can Help the Wolves For more information on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s web site at http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. Support the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in helping with the reintroduction program (www.cincinnatizoo.org) Educate yourself and others. Get information and download lesson plans from www.kidsplanet.org/www/. Get involved. Write letters of support to government officials. Take a trip and support local ecotourism in areas where wolves live. Newspaper clipping: The Return of El Lobo: Mexican Wolves Back in the Wild A five-inch paw print near the edge of a stream, a fresh-killed elk beneath a pine tree, a low howl echoing across the valley—signs of the return of a creature that has long been missing from the American southwest, the Mexican wolf. A century ago we were trying to exterminate wolves. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working hard to bring them back. In the Beginning Recovery efforts began when the Mexican wolf was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1976. Soon a Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan was established with the goal of restoring a self-sustaining population of at least 100 Mexican wolves within its historic range. The last five known Mexican wolves in the wild were captured in Mexico between 1977 and 1980. These wolves provided the foundation for a captive breeding program carried out at zoos and similar facilities across the nation. In 1998, 11 wolves were released into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona, marking the beginning of reintroduction. Since then, more wolves have been released and allowed to disperse within a designated section of Arizona and New Mexico called the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area. How It Works


http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov

http://www.cincinnatizoo.org

http://www.kidsplanet.org/www/



The American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan manages the captive population and provides wolves for reintroduction. Once a wolf becomes a release candidate, it is transferred to one of three pre-release facilities—the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, the Ladder Ranch Facility or Wolf Haven International. There the wolf becomes accustomed to living in near-wild conditions and is paired up with a mate. When ready for release, a pair and their pups, if present, are transported to a mesh nylon enclosure in the wilderness. The wolves self-release once they chew through the mesh. Supplemental food is provided until the wolves are proven hunters. The Interagency Field Team, comprised of federal and local governmental agencies, monitors and manages the reintroduced wolves. Every full-grown wolf that is released wears a radio-collar that allows the Team to keep tabs on it via ground and aerial radio-tracking. Howling surveys and visual observations also keep the Team informed of pack movements and behavior. Pros and Cons Biologists believe that returning wolves to the wild will restore natural ecological processes. As a predator, the wolf keeps prey populations of elk and deer from growing too large and disturbing the ecosystem balance. Not everyone agrees. In fact, five of the 11 wolves initially released were illegally shot. The reintroduction project faces serious conflicts with local ranchers who occasionally lose livestock to the wolves. The Interagency Field Team and non-profit organizations work together to educate the local people and resolve conflicts. For example, the Defenders of Wildlife has established the Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust, which pays ranchers for livestock losses to wolves. Hazing through loud noises and flashing strobe lights is often used to attempt to keep wolves away from livestock corrals. Problem wolves that persist or range outside of the recovery area may be trans-located to a different area or back to captivity. While these efforts are helping to ease conflicts with ranchers, some anti-wolf sentiment still exists. A Future in the Wild Despite the controversy and challenges the recovery program faces, Mexican wolves are surviving and reproducing in the wild. At a current estimate of about 50 wolves, the population is growing and the project will continue to move forward until the goal of having a healthy, self-sustaining population of at least 100 Mexican wolves in the wild is reached. Plaque: "The wolf is neither man's competitor nor his enemy. He is a fellow creature with whom the earth must be shared." – L. David Mech, Wolf Biologist




Portrait shelf: The wolves on exhibit here are part of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program and may be released back into the wild in the future. It is important to keep track of the wolves’ history and behavior. This information helps determine which animals should be released. Locate the wolves in the exhibit and use these identification tips to distinguish between them. Fact sheets with photos (profiles & head shots): Name: F613 (Adonia) Gender: Female Birth date: May 7, 1999 Name: M566 (Tika) Gender: Male Birth date: May 5, 1998




At second outdoor area: A Fierce Green Fire “Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf… We were eating lunch on a high rimrock, at the foot of which a turbulent river elbowed its way. We saw what we thought was a doe fording the torrent, her breast awash in white water. When she climbed the bank toward us and shook out her tail, we realized our error: it was a wolf. A half-dozen others, evidently grown pups, sprang from the willows and all joined in a welcoming melee of wagging tails and playful maulings…

In those days we had never heard of passing up a chance to kill a wolf. In a second we were pumping lead into the pack...When our rifles were empty, the old wolf was down, and a pup was dragging a leg into impassable slide-rocks.

We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes—something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch: I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view.

Since then I have lived to see state after state extirpate its wolves. I have watched the face of many a newly wolfless mountain, and see the south-facing slopes wrinkle with a maze of new deer trails. I have seen every edible bush and seedling browsed...to death. In the end the starved bones of the hoped-for deer herd, dead of its own too-much…

So also with cows. The cowman who cleans his range of wolves does not realize that he is taking over the wolf's job of trimming the herd to fit the range. He has not learned to think like a mountain. Hence we have dustbowls, and rivers washing the future into the sea.”

—from Thinking Like a Mountain, an essay by Aldo Leopold (1949), Father of Wildlife Ecology

Life in the Pack Wolves live in family groups, just like people do. The wolf parents are the leaders of the group, called the alpha pair. The rest of the group includes their sons and daughters and possibly a few other close relatives. The wolf family eats, sleeps, travels, plays and hunts together as a team. How do you work with your family as a team? “The strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” –Rudyard Kipling




Decoding Wolf Behavior See if you can spy any of these common social behaviors. (Each behavior has a definition and one or several illustrations with accompanying messages) Play—Chase, ambush and play-fight to bond with pack members and practice skills “Let’s play!” Greet and bond—Two or more pack members welcome and show affection by sniffing, licking, nudging and gently biting each other, often around the neck and face “Hello!” and “We’re friends!” Food-beg—Eagerly lick the muzzle of another, raise a paw and whimper in hopes that it will give up some of its dinner “Will you share?” Keep order—A wolf in charge controls another wolf that that gives in “I’m in charge!” and “You’re in charge. I won’t fight.” Challenge—Shows anger by baring its teeth, holding its tail up and ears forward and making its hair stand on end “Stay away!” Scent-mark—Leave behind urine, saliva or something else as a scratch-and-sniff message for other wolves “I’ve been here.” and “Hey, there’s a new wolf around.” Howl—Loudly call “ow-oo-ow” or “arr-rrr-rrr-oo-ooo” to connect with or alarm far-away pack members or warn neighbors to stay away “I’m over here!”




At parrot viewing:

Look Out! A hungry bird of prey, a goshawk, keeps a keen eye tuned into the parrot. These parrots had better watch for these natural predators! Visitors look through a sight tube that highlights a model of a goshawk, a predator of the parrot, in the exhibit Thick-Billed Parrot Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha The only living parrot that once ranged in the United States, the thick-billed parrot is dependent on highland pine-oak forests for food and nesting. Its range has been reduced to a few areas in Mexico where it continues to suffer from habitat loss and the pet trade. Conservationists are working to protect the forests by encouraging sustainable alternatives to logging such as ecotourism. Protecting Parrots The Zoo partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a recovery plan for the thick-billed parrot. Range: Western Mexico Fact File Height: 15 to 16 in Weight: 11 to 15 oz Lifespan: More than 30 yrs in captivity Habitat: Pine-oak mountain forest Diet: Pine comes, acorns and berries Status: (IUCN—Endangered)




On exit path: Saving America’s Flora: The Endangered Plant Propagation Program Most people think of pandas, tigers or some other large, charismatic animal when asked to name an endangered species. Did you know that many plants are endangered, too? In fact, more than 20% of America’s native plants are threatened with extinction. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden works with the Center for Plant Conservation to safeguard imperiled plants through the Endangered Plant Propagation Program (EPPP). The Importance of Propagation The ability to propagate, or breed, plants in captivity can ensure the survival of particular species as well as provide specimens for research and restoration of habitats in the wild. A Helping Hand When traditional methods don’t work, scientists turn to in vitro techniques such as tissue culture. Pieces of plant tissue are grown on a nutrient medium in a sterile container. Once they have produced roots, they are transferred to soil. Frozen Garden Some of the plant tissues and seeds are preserved cryogenically in a “frozen garden” for future use. The rest of the plants are distributed to EPPP collaborators for display, research and possible reintroduction into the wild. American Beauties Through tissue culture methods, the EPPP propagates more than 40 rare plant species native to the United States, including Northern wild monkshood and Avon Park harebells. The program provides plant material that is otherwise unavailable, increases the numbers of endangered plants, and preserves the genetic material in long-term storage for the future.

Exiting the exhibit:

"What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected."—Chief Seattle




Mexican Wolf Resources Books:

• The Return of the Mexican Gray Wolf, Bobbie Holaday, 2003 • Discovering Wolves: A Nature Activity Book, Nancy Field and Corliss Karasov, 1991 • Wolves: A Wildlife Handbook, Kim Long, 1996 • Wolves: Behavior, Ecology and Conservation, Eds. David Mech and Luigi Boitani, 2003 • Trail of the Wolf, R.D. Lawrence, 1993 • The Way of the Wolf, David Mech, 1991 • Vanishing Lobo, James Burbank, 1990 (have not gotten a hold of yet)

Web sites:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s page on Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov

• Defenders of Wildlife, http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/wolves.html, includes new report, State of the Wolf 2004

• World Wide Wolves, Kids Planet page from Defenders of Wildlife, http://www.kidsplanet.org/www, includes curriculum

• Case Study: The Mexican Wolf, D.R. Parsons, 1996, http://www.wolfology.com/id181.htm

• Wolf haven International, http://www.wolfhaven.org/mexi_chart.htm


http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/wolves.html

http://www.kidsplanet.org/www

http://www.wolfology.com/id181.htm

http://www.wolfhaven.org/mexi_chart.htm


Documents

Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide - Cincinnati Zoo and ...cincinnatizoo.org › ... › 2011 › 03 › Wolf-Woods-Interpretive-Guide-200… · Wolf Woods Interpretive Guide, 5/9/05 3