Southeast Wolves Economic and Environmental Benefits
Benefiting the Web of Life
Wolves, like all predators, are an important component of the ecosystems they inhabit. Red wolves help keep deer populations healthy because they prey primarily on the weakest animals, ensuring that only the stronger, more fit individuals survive to reproduce. Red wolves also hunt and help control populations of raccoons, rabbits, nutria and opossums, which in large numbers can be very destructive and effectively destroy indigenous plants and reduce the quality of habitat for native species. Maintaining such fundamental ecological processes is the foundation for a balanced, healthy wilderness. Contrary to popular belief, red wolves rarely prey on domestic animals, preferring to stay well away from animals associated with human scents.
Ecosystem Services, Markets, and Red Wolf Habitat
This report explores landowner attitudes
towards the use of financial incentives to promote the conservation of red wolf
habitat in Northeastern North Carolina. Many area landowners are interested in
participating in "payment for ecosystem services" (PES) programs, particularly
if the programs emphasize wildlife habitat or water quality. The report was
authored by researchers at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke
University, and funded by the Alex C. Walker Educational and
Charitable Foundation. The report can also be found at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions site.Read the Report >>
Economic Benefits
Wolf restoration can benefit local economies by bringing more tourist dollars. A 1997 study conducted by William Rosen at Cornell University found that 70 percent of the people surveyed expressed more interest in visiting northeastern North Carolina because wolves were present. The study estimated that tourism in the region would increase, resulting in increased revenues of at least $170 million annually because of the wolves’ presence.
A 2005 report commissioned by Defenders and conducted by Dr. Gail Y. B. Lash and Pamela Black of Ursa International, Red Wolves: Creating Economic Opportunity through Ecotourism in Rural North Carolina, evaluated the level of interest of Tyrrell and Hyde County landowners and other residents for economic development through red wolf ecotourism, as well as the probability for tourists to visit red wolf sites.
The report, funded by a grant from the Alex C. Walker Educational and Charitable Foundation, investigated the potential contribution of equitable red wolf-based ecotourism to local economic development, and outlined strategies and next steps for community-based ecotourism infrastructure and training.
Results from the research found that rural landowners and residents are interested in locally-based tourism efforts and there is a high level of interest among visitors.
Based on the recommendations resulting from this research, Defenders hosted a stakeholder meeting for the communities located in rural northeastern North Carolina. The one-day meeting focused on formulating strategies to initiate the next steps the community members must take to make ecotourism a viable means of economic development.
The meeting gathered regional community leaders and local landowners to explore potential free-market solutions and identify the framework to achieve private economic benefits while furthering endangered species protection. Discussion generated at the meeting demonstrated that the community clearly has the resources to develop ecotourism opportunities. In addition, this forum provided an opportunity for them to identify barriers that hinder the organized development of these activities.
The resulting report from the stakeholder meeting will help to guide the community to develop a strategic plan, which will promote the implementation of market-based incentives that will benefit the local economy and the conservation of the endangered red wolf. Review the report, Stakeholder Meeting on Red Wolf Ecotourism in North Carolina.
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