Free Republic

Are Wolves The Pronghorn's Best Friend?Yellowstone pronghorn populations directly benefit from the presence of wolves, a new Wildlife Conservation Society study says. (Credit: Julie Larsen Maher/Wildlife Conservation Society) ScienceDaily (Mar. 4, 2008) — As western states debate removing the gray wolf from protection under the Endangered Species Act, a new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society cautions that doing so may result in an unintended decline in another species: the pronghorn, a uniquely North American animal that resembles an African antelope. The study, appearing in the latest issue of the journal Ecology, says that fewer wolves mean more coyotes, which...

<p>If there was ever any wonder just how out of step today's environmental movement is with the rest of the country, consider the exchange reprinted nearby between Senator John McCain and the National Wildlife Federation's Jamie Rappaport Clark.</p> <p>The Pentagon is asking Congress for a few small clarifications to environmental laws that are impeding military training. Most Americans understand that the changes won't exempt our forces from environmental obligations but simply give them some flexibility. Most Americans also agree that if it comes down to a choice, a Marine's life is worth far more than a pronghorn antelope.</p>