Wolf Management and Research
Publications & Reports
Research
Wolves are the subject of a great deal of research related to predator prey dynamics. See Intensive Management in Alaska for more information.
Citizen Science Opportunities
Research Projects
Project Information
Evaluating Methods to Control an Infestation by the Dog Louse (Trichodectes canis) in Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)
Project 14.25, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Grant. Project Duration: July 1, 2006–June 30, 2011. Principal Investigator: Craig Gardner and Kimberlee Beckmen, Fairbanks.
The dog louse (Trichodectes canis) has recently been diagnosed in wolves north of the Alaska Range. Infestation by this parasite often results in loss of hair, but the severity of hair loss appears to be variable among individuals. Poor pelt condition reduces value of wolves to trappers and therefore the louse infestation represents a potential economic loss. It is likely that lice will continue to spread into different areas of the state because the parasite does not kill its host, and wolves disperse long distances. A louse infestation could affect management of wolf-moose systems because poor pelt quality would reduce the incentive for people to participate in the taking of wolves. To formulate management strategies to reduce the negative consequences of this disease to both wolves and to human use of wolves, we need to document and understand the course of this disease in interior wolf populations.
The objectives of this project are to: Determine extent of louse infestation in wolf packs in Unit 20A using visual observations of live wolves, hide inspections of trapper-caught wolves, and wolf capture and collection; Determine efficacy of den/rendezvous site treatment to manage lice infection; Establish the rate of transmission between packs; and Determine if lice-infected packs have lower productivity and survival rates.