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We assessed the accuracy of scat-sampling methods in relation to sources of bias (statistical independence of the data and definition of the sampling unit) and precision (sample size). We developed a method to quantify diets of predators accurately in a study of diet selection by wolves (Canis lupus) during 3 winter seasons (1999-2002) in the Western Alps. The best sampling design to avoid pseudoreplication was the 'additive method,' where the presence of a carcass, estimated by either a collection of scats or a carcass itself along the travel route of a wolf, was considered 1 sampling unit. Although roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were the primary prey used by wolves in the area, red deer (Cervus elaphus), recently reintroduced prey present at low density, were selected in winter 2001. We evaluated the optimal sample size for a given question using Monte Carlo simulations. At small sample sizes, slight increases in sample sizes caused large reductions in the standard error, greatly improving the precision of the estimates of percentage of items in the diet. Estimating the number of rare prey species used by wolves, such as red deer in our case study ( Key words: accuracy, Canis lupus, diet selection, Monte Carlo method, scat sampling, Western Alps, wolf

Species that exist in naturally fragmented subpopulations can maintain long-term viability through interpopulation connectivity and recolonization of suitable habitat. We used radiotelemetry to study movements of 3 herds of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) that recently colonized previously unoccupied parts of western Montana. These herds also provided a unique opportunity to compare resource-selection patterns in newly colonized habitats, and we used logistic regression in a global information system framework to generate predictive models for females in each herd. We detected relatively long (19- to 33-km) extra-home range movements by males in all 3 herds, and connectivity with nearby bighorn and domestic sheep herds. An information-theoretic approach to model selection revealed greater differences in resource selection among herds than anticipated. Initial evaluation of resource-selection models by resubstituting data showed excellent predictive accuracy (P [less than or equal to] 0.002), but testing models across sites gave mixed results, and in many cases, poor fit (0.001 [less than or equal to] P [less than or equal to] 0.960). High vagility of males and variability in resource selection by females suggests increased potential for future recolonization and connectivity. Key words: bighorn sheep, connectivity, habitat, movement, Ovis canadensis, resource selection

We studied effects of recolonizing wolves (Canis lupus) in the North Fork of the Flathead area of northwestern Montana on the diets of coyotes (C. latrans) from 1994 to 1997. Wolf and coyote diets differed in frequency of occurrence of prey species during 3 of the 4 summers and winters (P < 0.001) during the study. Coyote diets contained more murid prey items, and wolf diets contained more deer (Odocoileus virginianus and O. hemionus) in the summer and elk (Cervus elaphus) in the winter. Coyotes and wolves ate prey of different size during both the summer (P < 0.001) and winter (P < 0.001) months in 1994-1996: wolves took a greater proportion (P < 0.001) of large (>45 kg) prey species and coyotes, small ( Key words: coexistence, coyote, food habits, Montana, partitioning, recolonization, wolf

The Rocky Mountain wolf populations of the United States are increasing in areas which contain wolf-dog hybrids, wild coyotes, domestic dogs and captive wolves. The presence of wolf-like canids can impact measures of wolf recovery and cause many social, legal and forensic issues for wildlife agencies.

Issues are presented concerning the differences which exist between ecology, conservation biology and wildlife biology. The importance of maintaining sustainability and biodiversity across all three disciplines is discussed.

A neonatal mortality study in the central Alaska Range mountains has included the development and assessment of three techniques for capturing Dall sheep lambs. The techniques are hand capture by stepping from a Hughes 500-turbine helicopter, hand capture by jumping from a Robinson R-22 piston-engine helicopter and entanglement of lambs with a net fired from a skid-mounted net gun on a Hughes 500 helicopter. It was found that the larger, louder Hughes 500 helicopter had a greater disturbance impact on ewe-lamb pairs than the smaller, less noisy Robinson R-22 helicopter. Hand capture from a Robinson-22 is effective where it is not possible to capture animals on foot.

The recolonization by wolves of northwestern Montana and southeastern British Columbia is described. The aim of the study was to document reproduction, survival, immigration and dispersal. It found that in high density populations the sex ration of offspring favoured males, but females were favoured in lower density populations. Pup production was relatively high, and pack size and surviving litter size were positively correlated. Survival was mostly higher within their territories, with lower survival rates of dispersing wolves.

Wolves (Canis lupus) colonizing the northwestern US preferred old and juvenile white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and elk as (Cervus elaphus) prey. The preference for old and juvenile prey differs from prey selection patterns of human hunters. Colonizing wolf populations in Glacier National Park in Montana also preyed upon male deer and elk, consuming carcasses completely during winters featuring light snowfall.

The issues dealt with, in eight independent papers on, wolverine conservation and management are discussed. Information of wolverine distribution in southern North America, their habitat and human relations are provided to assess best conservation and management practices.

A study assessing whether compacted snowmobile trails directly affected competitive interactions between lynx and coyotes is illustrated. Results showed that behavioral adaptations allowed coyotes to travel and forage in deep-snow environments despite their relatively high foot-load.

The estimation of spatial and temporal variations in survival of calf influences the growth of elk population and hence is a significant parameter in the management of elk population size.

Methods to reduce wolf attack on cattle, which are protected by fence in Montana and Idaho, are presented.

Research on behavior and mortality rates of translocated wolves indicates that soft releasing in family groups may improve release-site fidelity and reduce homing behavior. This would increase wolf survival as well as the efficacy of translocation as a means of preventing livestock predation.

Ratio estimator used for estimating wolf kill rates in a multiple-prey system in Banff national park, Alberta is described. A general statistical estimator for kill rate and variance using ratio-variable sampling theory is focused.

The credibility paid for the currency of thousands of professional lifetimes spent building a scientific foundation and in the application of expanding knowledge and experience in assessment and management are discussed. Cumulative credibility of the profession, coupled with that of individual practitioners, is the sole reason that research and formulation of assessments and management approaches to natural resource management problems should be heeded.

Human actions that provide for high and increasing human population lead to declines in biological diversity and integrity are discussed. High and increasing human populations are reported to be the ultimate cause behind declines in biological diversity and integrity of ecosystems.

An analysis is presented on human overpopulation and its environmental, social, political and legal implications. The authors argue that population growth is positively correlated to a rise in the number of regulations restricting human interaction with nature such as hiking and fishing, and therefore is linked to a decrease in personal freedom.

Research describing the factors affecting the hunting success of wolves is presented. It is shown that wolves concentrated their hunting in areas with high densities of deer and greater hiding-stalking cover.

Gray wolves have recolonized the Canadian Rockies and Montana from the 1980s, and a wolf population in Montana has been observed to monitor dispersal behavior. Wolves tended to disperse rapidly if they left the pack. The average age for females to disperse was 38.4 months for females, and 28.7 months for males. They tended to travel north to areas where there was a greater density of wolves. Wolves that dispersed tended to have more litters than those that stayed.

A population of moose, elk and white-tailed deer was examined to assess the impact of predation by man, wolf, bear and cougar, in the Glacier National Park. Deer and elk were more likely to be killed by wolves and cougar, while moose were more likely to be killed by bears and wolves. Age was not a factor affecting the vulnerability of deer, but older and young elk and moose were more vulnerable. Deer and elk populations appear to be more affected by predation than are moose populations.