Presenter: Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada

Brief Abstract:
On the basis of nearly 50 years as a field wildlife biologist, researcher and manager, the author identifies issues that impact on wildlife. These relate to species-at-risk, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts including predator and “pest” control, pollution, animal welfare, invasive alien species, bad management caused by socio-political interests, and the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation. The author proposes solutions to implement proper procedures, recognize and protect valuable habitats, preserve and ensure the perseverance of populations, and prevent or reduce pollution, pesticides and invasive species. Finally, he identifies basic principles that should be considered when developing a model for wildlife conservation.

Presenters: John Griffin, John Hadidian & Bernard Unti
♦ The Humane Society of the United States; Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

Brief Abstract:
The authors make the case for the rising significance of urban wildlife and identify some of the particular challenges associated with that rise. They call for a new and/or revised wildlife conservation praxis that incorporates the social, cultural and technical insights of urban wildlife management, and make the case for its transformative potential.

Presenters: Thomas L. Serfass & Gilbert Proulx
♦ Frostburg State University; Alpha Wildlife Research & Management

Brief Abstract:
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (hereafter, NAM or Model) has been widely portrayed by as an approach to explain how North American wildlife conservation developed historically, and as a prescriptive framework for applying a hunting-focused form of wildlife conservation. Fur trapping was seldom mentioned during the original articulation of NAM, but some now argue that the activity is imbedded within the framework of the 7 principles comprising NAM. We argue that fur trapping is not in agreement with NAM’s principles, and that recent efforts construing otherwise further confound the intentions of NAM’s proponents. Herein, we provide evidence through examples related to northern river otter conservation, that trapping either does not fit the NAM construct and, regardless, that actions by some state wildlife agencies would have violated underlying the principles of NAM through the manner that new river otter trapping season were initiated, justified, and implemented, particularly the Public Trust Doctrine and application of science decision making.

Presenters: Kevin Timoney
♦ Treeline Ecological Research

Brief Abstract:
This review describes some of the impacts to wildlife that occur as a result of crude oil and saline spills and hydrocarbon production. The exploitation of hydrocarbons has resulted in persistent changes in the biota; decreased biodiversity; declines of native species and communities; defaunation; increased predation along linear disturbances; changes in animal movements and migrations; increased direct and indirect mortalities; increased metabolic and respiratory stress and reproductive impairment; noise effects on songbirds; damage to riparian zones, barriers to fish movement, and declines in fisheries; widespread habitat loss; and persistent contamination. The regulator’s failure to protect the environment and the public interest are the result of regulatory capture by the fossil fuel meta-organization.

Presenters: Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada

Brief Abstract:
In this review, through published scientific literature and government documents, the author aimed to: 1) determine which SAR are reportedly captured in traps set for fur-trapping, pest control, and research; 2) identify traps and trapping systems that are the most frequently involved in the capture of non-target SAR; 3) determine the reasons for the capture of SAR in traps; 4) estimate the impact of non-selective trapping on the persistence of SAR populations; and 5) provide recommendations to remedy the effects of non-selective trapping on SAR.

Presenters: Lingrui Meng, Jonah Lehman, Colette Isaac, Tristyn Sandy, Leah Fredericks, Keith Nahwegahbow, Stephen McGregor, and Patricia Chow-Fraser
♦ McMaster University; Moose Deer Point First Nation; and Whitefish River First Nation

Brief Abstract:
The authors present 2 ongoing conservation projects focused on the recovery and protection of the Blanding’s turtle, one within Whitefish River First Nation located at the northern shore of Mnidoo Gamii, and the other in Moose Deer Point First Nation located along the eastern shore of Mnidoo Gamii, located in Ontario. They adopted principles of the two-eyed seeing approach by considering the needs of the community and research priorities equally, and by weaving Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Western Science (WS) in planning field activities.

Presenters: Kelton Adderley-Heron, Brynn Hickey, and Patricia Chow-Fraser
♦ McMaster University

Brief Abstract:
The authors introduce several emerging approaches that address some limitations of traditional techniques. These include using 1) multi-sensor biologgers to explore movement and behaviour, 2) environmental DNA to determine occupancy, and 3) pattern recognition software to avoid invasive notching. They summarize existing traditional approaches, show the advantages and disadvantages of these new tools, and illustrate how they support research to protect Blanding’s turtles in Ontario, Canada.

Presenter: Aaron N. Facka and Roger A. Powell
♦ North Carolina State University

Brief Abstract:
The authors argue that identifying important milestones in the early ‘establishment’ phase of translocations remains important but that assessing “success” is largely an outdated concept that does not consider important aspects related to unintended or unpredictable outcomes. They present a case study of a recent reintroduction of fishers that based its evaluation of success on 1) understanding the reasons for being able to establish, or not to establish, a new population, 2) understanding the effects of removing fishers on a source population, 3) understanding use of habitats by fishers on an industrial timberland and 4) testing a series of a priori hypotheses of animal behavior and ecology.

Presenters: Adrian Treves, L. Mark Elbroch, and Jeremy Bruskotter
♦ University of Wisconsin-Madison; Panthera; and The Ohio State University

Brief Abstract:
Predators can support ecosystem health and diversity disproportionate to their numbers. Nevertheless, several U.S. state governments recently initiated killing grey wolves non-selectively and in large numbers. Among the justifications, governments claim that wolf-killing would: (1) increase human safety;(2) raise human tolerance for surviving wolves; (3) prevent livestock loss; and (4) increase wild ungulate populations. The authors review the research and assessed the governments’ claims. They also summarize explanations for the partisan politics behind wolf-killing and the potential harms of unsupported fact claims to good governance and democratic policy formulation.

Presenter: Kimberly A. Villeneuve and Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada

Brief Abstract:
The authors review studies and assessments of wolf reintroductions and recolonizations, and determine how the reestablishment of wolf populations has contributed to the wellbeing of wildlife communities and ecosystems. They give particular attention to wolf reintroductions in Yellowstone and Isle Royale National Parks; and recolonizations in the northwest Rocky Mountains, particularly in Montana, Idaho, and Banff and Jasper National Parks. On the basis of their review of ecological advantages associated with the restoration of wolf populations, the authors believe that there is a need for innovative educational programs, and to counter-balance speculations and prejudicial assumptions with fact-based programs, to better co-exist with wolves, and re-connect disjunct wolf populations with further reintroductions and recolonizations.