Genetic diversity is extremely important when it comes to healthy wildlife. When habitats are fragmented, we often see animal populations get separated from one another. This isolation usually results in animals interbreeding and weaker genetics getting passed on to future generations.
Wolves and other animals do something called dispersing to help combat this and introduce new genes into groups. A member of a wolf pack will leave the pack it grew up in in order to establish its own territory and create a new pack. It’s an essential part of keeping the gene pool healthy for wolves.
The diversity of genes that are introduced as new packs form ensures that stronger genes are getting passed on to the future generations. This ensures that there are more healthy wolves, instead of weak genes getting passed on within a singular pack over and over. This also helps wolves claim more territory and hopefully gain more footing in their historical range.
Did you catch our last email discussing The Great Predator Debate? We have a full-length version and a classroom edition to make it easy to fit into any lesson plan:
The Great Predator Debate discusses the history and challenges of human and carnivore interactions throughout the western U.S. Hear from wildlife managers, wildlife advocates, recreational rights groups, hunting and ranching groups, and more about the future of wildlife.
