DRAR KIS APPKSDIX 1 



collcciing survey and inventory data on fish and wildlife populations. These data create the foundation upon which 

 all wildlife populations are managed. Mf^P recognizes that beyond its legal requirement for population 

 monitoring, its own interests are well served by collecting scientifically credible data. A thorough database will lead 

 to the successful integration of the wolf program with other wildlife programs so that all may be managed in an 

 ecological context. 



The wolf monitoring program should document population status and trend through time. Specific objectives will 

 be to estimate wolf numbers, document reproduction, and tabulate mortality. These data will yield a general 

 demographic picture of the Montana wolf population. Additionally, information about wolf pack distribution, 

 individual territory boundaries, how a pack moves through and u.ses its territory, locations of wolf den and 

 rendezvous sites, and interactions between packs would be generated. Dispersal information could also be gathered. 

 Special management needs, opportunities, and constraints could also be identified. Periodic review of these data by 

 MFWP and its sister agencies in Idaho, Wyoming, or other cooperators will ensure that corrective measures are 

 taken in a timely fashion if the regional population is in jeopardy. 



Although the primary wolf monitoring responsibilities will rest with MFWP upon delisting, we benefit from the 

 knowledge generated by the efforts and experiences of the wolf recovery program cooperators (NPS. WS. Nez Perce 

 Tribe, USFWS. US Forest Service, universities, and private organizations). MFWP activities will be integrated into 

 the regular program of work. A detailed database will assist MFWP in coordinating various wildlife program 

 efforts. Although MFWP personnel will carry out the primary monitoring duties, opportunities for collaboration 

 with other agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and tribal wildlife authorities will be pursued. 

 Collaborative efforts could be necessary in the future as wolf numbers increa.se and distribution expands 

 geographically across land management agency jurisdictions and Indian reservations. Partnerships will also 

 improve the cost effectiveness of fulfilling Montana's responsibilities. 



The monitoring program will balance scientific precision with cost effectiveness. Costs of data collection typically 

 go up in proportion to their precision and the rigor required from the data. Financial and personnel limitations may 

 sometimes preclude the most precise, reliable techniques. MFWP will rely on a combination of radio-telemetry and 

 non-invasive techniques. The monitoring program will require greater accuracy and precision when there are 15 or 

 fewer wolf packs. As the number of wolf packs increases, the need for precision decreases proportionally. 



Some radio collars deployed by the USFWS will still be functioning when the state assumes management authority. 

 MFWP will continue to monitor these existing collars and .selectively deploy additional radio collars during the first 

 five years after delisting. We will focus on newly fomied packs about which little is known. We may also radio 

 collar wolves which become available opportunistically. It will be important for MFWP personnel to gain 

 knowledge and experience with wolves and for these skills to accumulate as rapidly as possible. Telemetry 

 techniques will generate ba.seline information efficiently and help biologists learn about wolves. As knowledge and 

 experience increase. MFWP will decrease reliance on telemetry and incorporate more non-invasive methods for 

 basic survey and inventory data collection. Wolves captured while addressing conflicts will be radio collared prior 

 to release. 



The term "non-invasive" monitoring implies that information can be gathered without actually live-capturing and 

 handling animals. Examples of non-invasive methods are track counts, howling surveys, observation report 

 summaries, remote photography, and profiling of genetic material obtained passively from hair or scat samples. 

 These methods can yield valuable information; however, for some monitoring objectives, validation using a radio- 

 collared wolf pack is required for accuracy. 



Track counts are most efficiently conducted during periods of snow cover. Track surveys could confirm presence or 

 absence of wolves. If they arc intended to estimate pack size, they must be done repeatedly to yield accurate 

 information becau.se wolves will literally step in each other's footprints while traveling in groups. MFAVP presently 

 conducts winter ground tracking surveys in a systematic fashion for furbcarers using snowmobiles (MFWP 1995). 

 US Forest Service (USFS) personnel also assist with these surveys. Wolf tracks are periodically encountered 

 (B.Giddings pers. comm.). Existing routes may be adjusted to include the lower elevations frequently used by 

 wolves in association with ungulate winter ranges. Separate routes, specifically intended for wolves, may also be 

 established within pack territories, as they become known. 



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