Research Update
I have narrowed down my options to place the wolf population. I found the hospitals and schools in each county. Then I found which counties have only one school, to minimize negative human-wildlife interactions.
While limiting the options, I noticed that many of the counties that I could place the wolf population are very far apart. I want to try to find counties that are close together that have limited people, so that there is not a negative reaction to the introduced wolf population. In North and South Dakota, the counties that I could place the wolves are very far apart, so I have decided to cut them from the list. Oklahoma is also off the list because the only county that was found in that state had too many schools in that area.
While limiting the options, I noticed that many of the counties that I could place the wolf population are very far apart. I want to try to find counties that are close together that have limited people, so that there is not a negative reaction to the introduced wolf population. In North and South Dakota, the counties that I could place the wolves are very far apart, so I have decided to cut them from the list. Oklahoma is also off the list because the only county that was found in that state had too many schools in that area.
My new criteria will include that at least two counties must be next to each other, in order for the wolf population to expand without negative human interactions.
After narrowing it down to potential counties, when I added roads, I noticed that every county in Texas has a road passing through it. Although it is only one road, this helps eliminate more counties, since the wolf population may have a higher mortality rate compared to counties without roads. This leaves me with CO, KS, and NB as possible areas.
I think this really good progress! I like the criteria that you have set up for your data to give the wolves the best chance possible. Having counties that are next to each other will definitely be more beneficial to any animal population, and the absence of roads will decrease any possible unnatural/human caused death. Good work!
ReplyDeleteGreat progress, I think the added criteria are a good a good way to help narrow down what could actually work! I can't wait to see how it all turns out!
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