American-European
settlers in North America were responsible for
virtually eliminating the wolf through poaching,
poisoning, shooting and the destruction of
natural habitat. Today, because of the
protection and reintroduction of the species,
North America's population of wolves is
estimated at 70,000. In Europe, the wolf
population is estimated between 15,000 and
18,000. The status and protection of the wolf
varies from country to country. Spain has the
largest wolf population with an estimated 2,000
wolves, however the population is under threat
because of poaching and habitat loss. Polish
government legislation has ensured the smaller
population of around 650 to 800 will be
protected.
Many
wolf conservationists feel the biggest threat to
wolves worldwide is the loss of habitat. Human
populations, agriculture, and reclamation of
land, clearly indicates the wolf is running out
of wilderness and is also forced to live in
closer proximity to humans and are adapting to
these conditions. In urban Italy, wolves live
alone or in pairs rather than in packs and have
learned to scavenge and hunt smaller prey.
Unfortunately, the closer the wolf is to humans,
the easier they are to poach. Conservationists
believe that by educating people about the true
nature of this shy, intelligent creature along
with preserving and restoring natural habitats,
the wolf has a future.
Not
all cultures in the world have such a dark view
of the wolf. Native Indians revered the wolf for
its strength, loyalty and prowess, and have
always lived in a peaceful co-existence with the
animal. For the wolf, as for many species in
today's world, the question is, after many years
of unbridled slaughter and habitat destruction,
we must learn to live alongside these
creatures... can we?
