Suppose that the wolves on Isle Royale die off because of disease or genetic defects from inbreeding. Should w

Question

Suppose that the wolves on Isle Royale die off because of disease or genetic defects from inbreeding.
Should we (a) intervene and import new wolves to help control the moose population or (b) let the moose population grow until it exceeds its carrying capacity and suffers another population crash? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

In Florida importing close matches to the Florida panther helped to boost its population after human settlement crushed it. You have to balance the extinction of the wolves on that island versus the moose population crashing on its own. It is probably better for the eco-system all the way around to bring in new wolves to keep both populations healthy.

Answer 2

a) Bring in new wolves. Wolves help cull the population of more than just moose!
..and letting the moose population grow to carrying capacity could destroy the forests and other plant life on which the moose feed.