No protection for Algonquin Wolves as recommended protection date passes
From Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)
December 28, 2000
TORONTO AND OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA — The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s (CPAWS) Wildlands League and Ottawa Valley chapters are urging Minister of Natural Resources John Snobelen to take immediate steps to protect Algonquin wolves. A key recommendation from the minister’s Algonquin Wolf Advisory Group was the complete closure of hunting and trapping in four townships, and the introduction of closed seasons for hunting and trapping wolves in 33 townships adjacent to Algonquin Park starting on December 16th.“December 16th has come and gone, and nothing has changed – wolves are still legally shot and snared around Algonquin Park,” says Jean Langlois of CPAWS Ottawa Valley.
The Minister of Natural Resources has the authority to issue a temporary moratorium while the technicalities of a full regulation are worked out. Mr. Snobelen received the Algonquin Wolf Advisory Group’s recommendations two weeks ago, and has yet to issue a response.
“Delays should not prevent the protection of these wolves during this time that the multi-stakeholder committee recommended as a closed season,” says Chris Henschel of CPAWS Wildlands League.
In a letter sent to Mr. Snobelen today, CPAWS points out that the situation is even more urgent because of new understanding of the species of wolf involved. Research just published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology shows that Algonquin’s wolves belong to the species Canis lycaon, a much rarer wolf than the more familiar grey wolf Canis lupus.
Currently, there is no restriction on shooting or trapping Algonquin wolves when they leave the park. Humans cause two-thirds of wolf deaths when wolves venture outside of park boundaries. Research and population modelling demonstrates that without intervention wolf numbers will continue to decline.
- 30 - Background information:
http://www.cpaws-ov.org/AlgonquinWolves.htm
Aussi disponible en français: (613) 232-7297
For more information, contact:
Jean Langlois
Executive Director
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) - Ottawa Valley Chaper
(613) 232-8097
langlois@cyberus.ca
Web site: http://www.cpaws-ov.org