Wolverines (Gulo gulo) in a changing landscape and warming climate: A decadal synthesis of global conservation ecology research

Abstract

Wolverines are vulnerable to multiple, widespread, increasing forms of human activity so have become an indicator of conservation success or failure for northern ecosystems. Logistically difficult to research, the last two decades have seen marked changes in technology yielding new insights. We reviewed and synthesized this recent research and asked: what are the known drivers of wolverine populations and distribution, is there consensus on mechanisms for populations dynamics, and how can this knowledge inform wolverine conservation? From 156 peer-reviewed papers we observed wolverine research varies geographically in volume, and especially in focus. Most papers arose from Canada and the USA, whereas Scandinavia led Palearctic efforts; large gaps exist outside that region. DNA and telemetry are the most common modes of inquiry, with camera traps increasing recently. In Scandinavia coordinated long-term monitoring programs have yielded substantial information; the Nearctic relied on stand-alone research until the recent USA multi-state monitoring project, and Canada lacks such coordination. Globally, protected areas are important for wolverine conservation, but effective landscape and population management in the working land base is vital. The dual drivers of climate and landscape change manifest across wolverines’ range, but past and current correlation between them remains a confound. Coordinated continental-scale analyses across gradients of development and climate change are needed to parse apart drivers of declines at macroecological scales, to inform effective conservation decisions.

Keywords

• Gulo gulo
• Climate change
• Landscape change
• Habitat loss
• Overexploitation
• Conservation