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Showing posts from February, 2018

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...