The Yellowstone to Yukon Corridor
Creating a Wildlife Highway and Conserving a Unique Place
The Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative brings together scientists and conservationists to protect Rocky Mountain habitat, grizzly bears and other species
Wildlife corridors are areas of land used to connect suitable habitat for a species or group of species. The most impressive effort to date to create one of these wildlife superhighways is occurring in the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the US. The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), begun in 1997, has evolved into a coalition of over 280 conservation and scientific organizations working to manage the land for both animals and people. To do this they began by defining wildlife core areas (where the habitat protection is a high priority to ensure the survival of the local flora and fauna), wildlife movement corridors (where the large carnivores can travel safely between disconnected habitat) and transition areas (which allow for intense human activity).
Grizzly Bears and the Y2Y
One of the species that will benefit from Y2Y is the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), which has been federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1975. This species requires approximately nine times more square acreage than exists in Yellowstone National Park in order to thrive. The present population is estimated at about 55,000 and is limited to parts of Alaska (30,000), Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington (lower 48 population -1,000), British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories (Canadian population -22,000).
Studies funded by Y2Y member organizations have looked at issues within the present grizzly bear range –-where 77-85% of known grizzly mortality is the result of human interaction and the population is in decline. Grizzlies have been implicated in losses to cattle, sheep and honey production in these areas. On the positive side, studies are indicating that surrounding sensitive areas such as spring lamb and calf rearing areas, as well as beehives, with electric fencing reduces predation significantly. This type of study is the heart of the Y2Y initiative, finding ways to reduce damage caused by wildlife and to enhance their ability to travel long distances without negative human interaction.
But Y2Y is not just about individual species. It is a genuine attempt to protect an ecosystem without ignoring the needs of the humans living in the area. By participating in decisions regarding where new roads, houses or businesses are placed the community can be served while the natural area that attracts people in the first place is protected and enhanced.
Source: Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
