As reported in The New York Times yesterday, wolverines have been added to the Endangered Species List for the Lower 48 States; a study revealed that no more than 300 inhabit the Northern Rockies and Northern Cascades of the U.S. Deforestation and climate change appear to be the primary reasons for their decline.
Wolverines remain abundant in Alaska and Canada but the Lower 48 population has become increasingly isolated, adding a lack of genetic diversity to the problems facing this regional community. Indeed, conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting natural corridors between the U.S. and Canada to alleviate that complication.
Unfortunately, the new listing may be too little, too late to rescue the wolverines of Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Considering our half-hearted approach to protecting natural habitat and addressing climate change, efforts to save this hardy resident of cold, snow-laden forests may produce temporary results at best.
