Patterns of Wolf Dispersal Respond to Harvest Density across an Island Complex

Simple Summary Dispersal is a regular part of the life cycle of most wolves, although patterns of dispersal are variable and may be affected by factors such as wolf densities, prey availability, and human-caused mortality. Because dispersal links the network of wolf packs and is the mechanism for recolonizing vacant territories, a better understanding of wolf dispersal can help predict population viability and inform management. We used genetic data collected over a decade to better understand wolf dispersal patterns in the Prince of Wales Island complex in southeast Alaska and revealed a higher degree of population connectivity across the islands than previously known. Annual dispersal rates ranged from 9 to 23% and had a weakly positive relationship with wolf density. Wolves dispersed 41.9 km on average (SD = 23.7 km), and males and females did not disperse at different rates. Wolves dispersed both to and from the small islands in the complex and the larger Prince of Wales Island, indicating bidirectionality of movement. Dispersal patterns revealed the need to account for regional population structure in wolf management strategies in this island archipelago. Abstract Wolves are highly mobile predators and can disperse across a variety of habitats and over long distances. However, less is known about dispersal capabilities across water and among islands. The biogeography of island systems fosters spatially structured local populations, and their degree of connectivity may influence the dynamics and long-term viability of the regional population. We sought to quantify wolf dispersal rate, distance, and dispersal sex bias throughout Prince of Wales Island, a 6670 km2 island in southeast Alaska, and the surrounding islands that constitute the wildlife management unit (9025 km2). We also investigated patterns of dispersal in relation to hunting and trapping intensity and wolf population density. We used DNA data collected during 2012–2021 long-term monitoring efforts and genotyped 811 wolves, 144 of which (18%) were dispersers. Annual dispersal rates were 9–23% and had a weakly positive relationship with wolf density. Wolves dispersed 41.9 km on average (SD = 23.7 km), and males and females did not disperse at different rates. Of the dispersing wolves, 107 died, and the majority (n = 81) died before they were able to settle. The leading manner of death was trapping (97% of mortalities), and wolves tended to disperse from areas with low harvest density to areas where harvest density was relatively higher. Dispersal occurred both to and from small islands and the larger Prince of Wales Island, indicating bidirectional as opposed to asymmetrical movement, and the genetic overlap of wolf groups demonstrates connectivity throughout this naturally patchy system. Island ecosystems have different predator–prey dynamics and recolonization processes than large, intact systems due to their isolation and restricted sizes; thus, a better understanding of the degree of population connectivity including dispersal patterns among islands in the Prince of Wales archipelago could help inform the management and research strategies of these wolves.