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Mexican Wolf Recovery

By Cooperative Research Units

Elk demography, movements and habitat selection in the Mexican Wolf Recovery Area in Arizona and New Mexico

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Meet Julia

Baseline data on elk survival rates, cause-specific mortality and habitat selection is limited for periods prior to the reintroduction of Mexican wolves in New Mexico and Arizona (e.g., Ballard et al. 2000).Consequently it is unknown whether Mexican wolves are reducing elk population growth or if wolf predation is compensatory, additive, or partially compensatory due to a lack of appropriate data.

Julia was born and raised in Eau Claire, WI and obtained her B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. After graduating, Julia worked as a wolf research technician in both Northern Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park, gaining experience in carnivore research and predator-prey studies. Julia researches large carnivores and their prey and is pursuing an M.S. degree studying the influence of Mexican gray wolf recovery on elk behavior.

gray white black mexican wolf running through a grassy meadow
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A chance encounter with a collared Mexican gray wolf. Photograph taken while doing fieldwork in the Gila National Forest, New Mexico. Photographer: Julia Olson, New Mexico State University. Copyright release form on file. 

Elk population declines have been observed following wolf reintroduction or recolonization events. These declines were attributed to the combined effects of hunter harvest, predation and interactions with stochastic climatic events resulting lowered adult survival and recruitment. In addition, changes in the predator community composition has led to other non-lethal effects with the potential to influence elk demographic rates. Baseline data on elk survival rates, cause-specific mortality and habitat selection is limited for periods prior to the reintroduction of Mexican wolves in New Mexico and Arizona (e.g., Ballard et al. 2000). Consequently it is unknown whether Mexican wolves are reducing elk population growth or if wolf predation is compensatory, additive, or partially compensatory due to a lack of appropriate data.

Colored pencil illustration of an elk with a forest background
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Part of a series of small inset drawings, this is quite simply, an Elk. The backdrop is that of pinion pine and Red Butte.

The lack of data impedes the development of the most informed management plans for elk in the Mexican wolf recovery area. Therefore the goal of this study is to assess variability in survival, cause-specific mortality, movements and habitat selection of elk across the Mexican wolf recovery area in Arizona and New Mexico. Our specific objectives are to: 1) estimate seasonal and annual cause-specific mortality rates for elk neonates and adult female elk; 2) estimate seasonal and annual survival rates for neonates and adult female elk; 3) estimate seasonal kill rates and prey composition of Mexican wolves; 4) assess effects of wolf activity on seasonal habitat selection and movements of elk; and 5) model the likely population trajectories of elk populations subjected to varying cause-specific mortality rates from predators (e.g., Mexican wolves, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes) and other causes of mortality (e.g., harvest, illegal harvest, vehicle collision).

This study is a collaboration between the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.