Discussion

The results for Wolverine suitability show less suitablility than most other models as most larger-scale models do not account for the deterrent of human presence in den site selection. This is a mistake, as we must be careful to note the impacts of human infrastructure on all elements of the natural world.

It is also important to note that wolverines are solitary animals and the range size of a single female wolverine is approximately 303km sq. (the average range of a single male is 797km sq.!). This means that before the introduction of human infrastructure, the entire study area would have been just able to sustain one female wolverine and her pups. Currently, due to human development, this area retains to potential to support nothing more than the extreme outskirts of any wolverine range.

Another interesting observation is that there was no reduction in spring snow cover in the study area over the 14 years that were examined. In fact, spring snow cover seems to be increasing slightly. This is surprising and contradicts the hypothesis of this study. These results, hovever, are corroborated by other studies on spring snow cover in the area. Explanations for these numbers could be that the timescale of the study was too short or that climate change is shifting the timing of yearly snow falls.

 

Ways in which this study could be improved:

-Studying a longer time scale.

-Studying a larger area.

-Incorporating data for private and forest service roads and other infrastructure types.