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Map Update

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I have found information on schools and hospitals in each county. Next I will see what areas overlap with my last map (about population density). I created another map to show the different forest types in NYS. The orange colored region in the Adirondacks seems to be the preferred forest type for gray wolves. 

Research Update

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I have started adding layers. I have added hospitals, schools, and cities in each county for New York State. I am looking at farm and population density per square mile to determine candidates for the wolf population. So far, I have found that Queens (4), Bronx (1), New York (0), Kings (1), Hamilton (20) have the lowest number of farms. Their farm density per square mile is also low (0.0-0.026). These counties are in purple. Essex (243), Warren (86), Westchester (106), Rockland (21), Nassau (59), Richmond (14) are next, with a farm density per square mile of 0.027-0.21. These counties are labeled in red. Franklin (604), Fulton (222), Greene (286), Ulster (501), Sullivan (323), Putnam (72), and Suffolk (585) have a farm density of 0.22-0.43 and are in yellow

Research Update

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This week, I have created a map for farmland in New York State. I will try to place the gray wolf population in an area that has a lower farm density to avoid conflict with stakeholders. This map shows the white tailed deer population in New York State. I included this map because I wanted to make sure that there would be enough food resources for wolves. The only area that does not have a deer population in New York is Long Island.  My next maps will include high population areas, and any areas that people use often. After I find these areas, I will overlay all the information to select which areas are the best to introduce a wolf population

Research Proposal

Gray Wolf Reintroduction in New York State Introduction To add to my research from last semester, I will see if there are any areas in New York that would best be suited for wolves. Last semester I found the best places in the US to reintroduce gray wolves based on certain criteria. Since wolves are generalists, it is easy for them to live in very diverse areas. They eat mostly large mammals like ungulates, but have been known to have a large range in their diet. Humans have had a history of fearing these animals, and have hunted them almost to extinction. Since New York has a large deer population, introducing wolves may be a way to manage those populations. This would aid in preventing car accidents.  Objectives Show desired habitat of gray wolf population  Show areas that are highly impacted by humans (cities, roads, farms, etc.) Show protected areas for wildlife Show resources (food, water, shelter) Show roads Show car accidents by deer populations Determine wh...

Draft Project Proposal

Wolf Reintroduction NYS Introduction To add to my research from last semester, I will see if there are any areas in New York that would best be suited for wolves.  Objectives Show desired habitat of gray wolf population  Show areas that are highly impacted by humans (cities, roads, farms, etc.) Show protected areas for wildlife Show resources (food, water, shelter) Determine where to reintroduce a population  Methodology I will obtain data on gray wolf populations, their desired habitat, high impacted human areas, protected wildlife areas, and desired resources for the animal.  After I gather the information, I will create a map using ArcGIS to show the different layers. Once I have each layer, I will determine where the best area is to reintroduce a population Deliverables This project will help different stakeholders determine the best area protect the gray wolf population, that doesn't conflict with human interest. Data Sources Other: htt...

Final Map

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Final Project Results

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The Grey Wolf range extends through most of North America. In the United States, there are three main areas where there are these wolves. Area one includes Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Area two includes Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The third area includes Arizona and New Mexico.  Grey Wolf Range Grey Wolf Range in the USA Because Grey Wolves are very adaptable animals, they can be found in a variety of habitats. Although they are generalist s,  they prefer to live in boreal forests, high altitude grasslands, temperate forests, and temperate grasslands. These areas tend to have much larger mammals, which is an important food resource for wolves. Preferred Grey Wolf Habitat Humans have had a history of fearing these animals, and have hunted them almost to extinction. Although there are conservation actions being taken in the three main areas I listed above, their populations have a long road to recovery. The goal of my...