Isle Royale wolves inbred but likely to survive, study says

Researchers have determined that the wolf population on Isle Royale, which was reintroduced to the island between 2018 and 2019, is likely to survive despite significant genetic challenges. The study indicates that the current population is highly inbred and faces increasing isolation within the park environment.

This population management effort follows a 2016 crisis where the island's remaining wolf pair had ceased reproduction. National Park officials, supported by researchers, initiated the reintroduction program to stabilize the ecosystem after the previous population had dwindled to near extinction.