List: Endangered or threatened species in Michigan
(Rolf Peterson/Michigan Technological University via AP)A look at Michiganโs endangered or threatened species. The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act) describes two categories of declining species of plants and animals that need the Actโs protections โ endangered species and threatened species โ and provides these definitions:Endangered - any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;Threatened - any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Endangered species are at the brink of extinction now. Threatened species are likely to be at the brink in the near future. Related stories:
Relocated Isle Royale wolves form groups, reduce Michigan moose herd
Wolves are believed to have made their way to Isle Royale by crossing ice bridges from Minnesota or the Canadian province of Ontario in the mid-20th century. A report released Monday by the Michigan Tech research team, which tallied live wolves during low-altitude flights last winter, said 12 had been spotted. Four social groups appeared to be taking shape, displaying signs of courtship and willingness to mate, although they weren't sufficiently structured to be considered packs, the Michigan Tech report said. The Michigan Tech team's moose census, also based on aerial observations, estimated the population at 1,876. Last winter, moose munched virtually all the new growth that had poked above the snow in one monitored section.
3 wolves moved to Michigan's Isle Royale, helping rebuild population
HOUGHTON, Mich. - Officials say four gray wolves from Michigan's Upper Peninsula were transported for resettlement in Isle Royale National Park to help restore the predator species on the Lake Superior island chain, though one of them died shortly after arriving. The National Park Service said Friday that Isle Royale's wolf population is now 17. Superintendent Phyllis Green says obtaining animals from different places will prevent the inbreeding that nearly wiped out the population. One female died shortly afterward. A necropsy is planned but Green says the relocation is stressful for wolves.