Economics of Red Wolf Reintroduction

In any animal reintroduction, one main component that is heavily evaluated is the economics of the reintroduction process of introducing an endangered animal to a specific area. Red wolves in specific, have a strong economic correlation between ecotourism and economics, as red wolves are an almost extinct species. In this analysis, I examined the economics of ecotourism as a benefit for red wolf reintroduction into the Delmarva. Additionally, I further examined how ecosystem services are an additional benefit to the economics in Delmarva. I used two case studies in my analysis to determine if the Delmarva Peninsula would enhance economically if it were to reintroduce red wolves: Yellowstone (Gray Wolf) and North Carolina (Red Wolf). Yellowstone and North Carolina case studies are two areas that are highly successful for wolf reintroduction. We can model behavior from these two case studies to determine if the introduction of wolves to Delmarva would be successful. Since Yellowstone and North Carolina both showed great promises of raised revenue from the introduction of wolves, then we can conclude that if the Delmarva would introduce, they could see economic benefit. The reintroduction process would financially benefit the local economy as well as financial benefit the ecosystem through ecosystem services. Paper prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Smallwoo