Note: this analysis is excerpted from Buecking, 1998. CLICK HERE to see Buecking's paper in its entirety.

Saving All The Pieces-The Idaho State Conservation Effort
The Wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Idaho
This document appears to be the most comprehensive and scientifically-based set of guidelines for wolverine management. While authors Copeland and Hudak recognize the gaps in state of knowledge of wolverines, they realistically identify the need for management guidelines which translate what we already know into the best possible strategy for land managers to implement. This document, though Idaho specific, provides a template by outlining objectives, assumptions, methodologies, and guidelines which can be adapted for specific regions. Policies identified within are summarized as follows:
Wolverine may be threatened by management's inability to identify and address habitat concerns due to a lack of information on wolverine habitat requirements.
Refugia provides core habitat for wolverine populations. Increased human presence, reduction, or alteration of existing refugia may threaten wolverine persistence.
Wolverine populations may be threatened by habitat fragmentation which could lead to population isolation and eventual extinction.
Habitat connectivity with Montana, Canadian and northern Washington most likely provides subpopulation interspersion throughout the northern range.
Habitat alteration and human occupation within refugia may decrease subpopulation extent and interspersion as well as create barriers to emigration.
Managers need to identify critical dispersal corridors to link subpopulations.
Refugia must provide for basic spatial and social needs. It must also provide a natural range of floral and fauna diversity and structure.
Mining activity, road building, or developed campgrounds near subalpine boulder talus sites may eliminate historical or potential wolverine foraging or denning habitat.
Trapping of wolverines or incidental catches may threaten local populations.
Predator control programs that use poison baiting techniques put wolverines at risk. Further, management practices which reduce availability of carrion availability will result in negative impacts.
Post-partum females appear to be extremely sensitive to disturbance during the pre-weaning kit rearing period. Recreational activities may displace them from potential denning habitat or cause den abandonment.
Low density species are difficult to monitor therefore, threats by inadequate management information on status and distribution may exist.
The public needs to become more enlightened about the presence, life history, habitat needs, and vulnerability of this species as this may be a critical factor in the continued presence of wolverine in this region.
Regulations for local populations must be based on regional data.
Avoid the establishment of developed mines in core habitat.
Avoid permanent campgrounds and establishment of road and trail systems into subalpine rock/scree sites within core habitat.

Analysis
This comprehensive and detailed conservation strategy is the best example of management guidlines for wolverines in the western U.S. and southern B.C. The extent to which it has been implemented with the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the Forest Service is unclear. The presence of a wildlife biologist with a thorough knowledge of this species and passion for its conservation (Jeff Copeland) appears to have been a critical factor in the establishment of such a document. Further recommendations emerging from recent studies in British Columbia will need to be incorporated, including removal of road kill, avoidance of highway twinning, establishing road crossing structures, and rehabilitation of forestry roads wherever possible.

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