Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program:
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The red wolf, a critically endangered species, faces numerous challenges to its survival, including habitat loss and human-related mortality. Red wolves must navigate a complex environment. To support their recovery, it is essential to identify suitable areas for translocating red wolves while considering both habitat quality and the risks associated with human activities. This research project aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding spatial socio-environmental risks through a combination of geographic analysis, surveys, and movement modeling. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as other collaborators. The outcomes of this project will provide valuable information for identifying potential translocation sites and informing management decisions. By understanding the spatial distribution of habitat and socio-environmental risks, conservation efforts can be optimized to increase the population abundance of red wolves and mitigate threats to their survival.