Greater Yellowstone

The mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society is to save wildlife and wild lands by understanding and resolving critical problems that threaten key species and large wild ecosystems around the world. Few places fit this mission better than the Greater Yellowstone region – still one of the wildest remaining ecosystems in the contiguous United States. Home to the world’s first national park, the 26-million acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem boasts the greatest concentration of large mammals in the US outside of Alaska.


News from Greater Yellowstone

• A recent study reveals that several large prey species, including moose, caribou, and elk, fear only predators they regularly encounter. If you take away wolves, you take away fear. And with no need to flee prowling predators, the migrant animals change their use of an ecosystem, with penetrating impacts. These findings could help shape efforts to reintroduce large carnivores in places they have been exterminated. For more information click here
  
  
• A new study shows that pregnant moose move closer to town when it’s time to give birth. It’s not the pickles and ice cream they’re after, however, but security from road-shy grizzly bears. By moving closer to people, the animals can better shield their calves from becoming bear dinner. For more information click here
   
• 2005 Wildlife and Energy Development-Pronghorn of the Upper Green River Basin Year 1 Summary (The conclusions in this report are preliminary and may change with more data or analysis) (download PDF)
  
• 2006 Wildlife and Energy Development-Pronghorn of the Upper Green River Basin Year 2 Summary (The conclusions in this report are preliminary and may change with more data or analysis) (download PDF)
  

Regional Projects

Wolverine Ecology and Conservation
This first long-term study of wolverines in Greater Yellowstone is designed to obtain information about the impacts of recreation on this sensitive species, identify important wildlife travel corridors, and inform wolverine population and habitat management.  We are documenting demographic trends, population size, and habitat use to gain a greater understanding of the North American wolverine in the lower 48 states.

Carnivore Connectivity in the Centennial Mountains
Many scientists and conservation groups have suggested that the Centennial Mountains are an important east-west linkage for large carnivores in Greater Yellowstone.  We are testing this theory through a combination of analysis of historic predator control data and field research using black bears to address potential impediments to movements of other elusive carnivores.

Path of the Pronghorn
The movement of pronghorn from Jackson Hole to wintering grounds south of Pinedale, Wyoming, is one of the most significant remaining large mammal migrations in the world.  WCS is documenting migration routes and studying the energetic costs of disturbance from development.  We are also working to develop and implement strategies to conserve the spectacular ecological process of large mammal migration.

Pronghorn, Wolf, and Coyote Dynamics
This project seeks understanding of both human-related and natural threats to the maintenance of a viable pronghorn population in and adjacent to Grand Teton National Park.  Research is evaluating pronghorn pregnancy rates, fawn survival, the causes of mortality in relation to coyotes, the presence and absence of wolves, and residential and energy development.

Setting Priorities for Wildlife Conservation The Madison Valley and its watershed remains one of the most ecologically intact valleys in Greater Yellowstone.  WCS is working with the public and private organizations to develop and implement a wildlife conservation plan that identifies the most important remaining habitats, threats to these habitats and their wildlife populations, and strategies for abating these threats.

Corridor Conservation Initiative Through the Corridor Conservation Initiative, we are working to identify critical wildlife corridors, to consult with all stakeholders to develop effective and balanced approaches to conserve and restore these corridors, and then to implement these measures.  These measures will span the full spectrum from changes in government policies to working with private landowners to protect wildlife corridors.

For more information

For the Greater Yellowstone Program staff biographies and contact information click here

For general information regarding the Greater Yellowstone Program and projects, please contact Jeff Burrell or call (406) 522-9333 x101

For information on supporting the North America Program click here.

Thank you for your support!