How scientists track wolverine populations across vast remote territories and what welfare concerns arise from monitoring methods.
Population monitoring is essential for conserving wolverines, but the methods used carry welfare costs for individual animals. Live-trapping and immobilization stress animals and can disrupt breeding activities if timed poorly. GPS collars can cause skin irritation or restrict movement if improperly fitted. Researchers increasingly use non-invasive approaches as a first resort, reserving live capture for situations where individual data are essential. Welfare protocols for carnivore monitoring should be published and independently reviewed.