Search Results for keywords:"population dynamics"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a 12-month finding regarding a petition to classify and remove the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population as a separate group from the endangered species list. After reviewing scientific data, they concluded that the NCDE grizzly bears do not qualify as a distinct population segment under the Endangered Species Act, which means they are not eligible for separate classification or delisting. The decision was based on the fact that the grizzly bear population in the area is growing and expanding its range, with bears moving beyond the proposed boundaries. Therefore, the action to establish and remove the NCDE group from protection is not warranted at this time.

The University of Alaska Southeast has applied for an amendment to its scientific research permit (No. 24378-01) regarding marine mammals, specifically to increase the number of gray whales studied annually from 250 to 1,000 due to higher-than-expected numbers in Sitka Sound. This permit allows researchers to study various aspects of 18 species of Alaska's cetaceans, including gray, humpback, killer, and sperm whales, through methods such as photo-identification and tagging. The aim is to better understand these whales' population dynamics, demographics, and foraging strategies. The public can comment on this application until April 28, 2025.