Conclusions:
Reduction in landscape carrying capacity for wolf population distribution and viability depends largely on the degree of road density, public land ownership, amount of forest cover and high elk densities (another indicator of suitable habitat).
Synopsis: This study employed two types of spatial models to evaluate the potential of wolf reintroduction in the southern Rocky Mountain region. A multiple logistic regression was used to develop a resource-selection function relating wolf distribution in the Greater Yellowstone region with regional-scale habitat variables. Researchers also used a spatially explicit population model to predict wolf distribution and viability at several potential reintroduction sites within the region under current and future landscape change scenarios. The dynamic model predicted similar population distribution under current conditions but suggested that development trends over the next 25 years may result in the loss of one of four potential regional subpopulations and increase isolation of the remaining areas. An overall reduction in landscape carrying capacity for wolf population distribution and viability depends largely on the degree of road development on public lands.
