Climate Change Endangers Wolverines with Extinction in the US : Analysis

The North American wolverine is set to receive federal protections under a proposal by the Biden administration. This move comes as scientists warn that climate change will likely lead to the disappearance of the species’ snowy mountain habitats, which they rely on for survival.

Wolverines in the United States were largely wiped out by unregulated trapping and poisoning campaigns in the early 1900s. Today, there are only about 300 wolverines left in fragmented and isolated groups at high elevations.

With warming temperatures expected in the coming decades, the mountain snowpack that wolverines depend on for digging dens may shrink, threatening their ability to reproduce and raise their young.

The decision by the US Fish and Wildlife Service follows more than two decades of debate and disputes over the risks of climate change and the long-term survival of the wolverine species.

Wolverines are the largest terrestrial weasels in the world and are known for their ability to thrive in harsh alpine environments. However, protections for them were rejected under the Trump administration.

Republican lawmakers in Montana have urged the Biden administration to delay the decision, arguing that the scientists’ estimates may not be accurate enough to make a fair assessment of the dangers faced by wolverines. They also expressed concerns that protections could lead to limitations on activities like snowmobiling and skiing in wolverine habitats.

While there is some uncertainty about the rate at which mountain snowpacks may melt in areas with wolverines, scientists believe that habitat loss due to climate change and other factors like increased development will likely harm wolverine populations in the coming decades. They also noted that wolverines could potentially recolonize areas like California’s Sierra Nevada and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, which could offset some of the habitat losses.

Environmentalists have previously argued in a lawsuit that wolverines are facing extinction due to climate change, habitat fragmentation, and low genetic diversity.

Wolverine populations that are still breeding exist in remote regions of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington state. There have also been recent sightings of individual wolverines in California, Utah, Colorado, and Oregon.

This proposal for federal protections comes after years of back-and-forth. In 2016, a federal judge blocked the Obama administration’s attempt to withdraw proposed protections, stating that wolverines were vulnerable to climate change. However, protections were rejected in 2020 under the Trump administration based on research suggesting that wolverines were expanding rather than contracting. A revised analysis in September 2022 acknowledged that wolverines were “less secure” than previously described.

In addition to climate change, wolverines require vast expanses of wildlands to survive, with adult male wolverines needing home ranges of up to 610 square miles. They also face threats from trapping, as wolverine populations in Canada have declined due to overharvesting by trappers. Trapping of wolverines was once legal in states like Montana but is now restricted.

Inadvertent trapping of wolverines still occurs, with accidental captures reported in both Montana and Idaho.

Overall, this article provides an informative overview of the federal protections proposed for the North American wolverine. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner, with relevant details about the wolverine’s history, habitat, and potential threats. The article incorporates multiple viewpoints, including those of scientists, lawmakers, and environmentalists.

Regarding sources, the article references the US Fish and Wildlife Service, government scientists, and a study conducted in Idaho. However, there are no direct quotes or citations from these sources, which limits the ability to assess their credibility. The lack of specific information about the scientists and their research may also make it difficult for readers to delve deeper into the topic and evaluate the accuracy of the claims made.

There is a potential bias in the article as it includes the concerns raised by Republican lawmakers who oppose the proposed protections. By highlighting their arguments, the article may inadvertently give more weight to their viewpoint, leading to an unbalanced presentation of the issue.

The impact of this information could be significant for the North American wolverine and its future conservation efforts. By receiving federal protections, the wolverine could benefit from regulations and measures aimed at preserving its habitats and population.

In the broader context, the article demonstrates the influence of political factors and the prevalence of fake news on public perception. The rejection of protections under the Trump administration and the subsequent proposal under the Biden administration reflect the contrasting priorities of different political leaders. This can shape public opinion and create a polarized narrative around environmental protection and climate change.

The prevalence of fake news and the spread of misinformation could also impact the public’s understanding of the issue. Without access to reliable sources and accurate information, individuals may form biased opinions or misunderstand the potential threats facing the wolverine species.

In conclusion, while the article provides a basic understanding of the proposed federal protections for the North American wolverine, it lacks specific details from credible sources. The inclusion of different perspectives adds some depth to the article but also introduces a potential bias. The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence the public’s perception of the information presented and hinder a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: US says climate change threatens wolverines with extinction