Abstract
The modern wolf population took off in 1983 when a couple had their first litter in northern Värmland. Ever since the number has been slowly but steadily growing, dispite illegal shooting. Today the number is estimated to be between 120 and 130 animals. From the beginning scientists have been tracking the wolves. At first skiing, but since the 90:s mainly with the help of radio collars. These instruments have become increasingly sofisticated. Today the collars automatically deliver packages of data as SMS right to the scientists´ computers. Among the data are GPS positions from the past days. Genetics is a central field of study. Every time a wolf is immobilized in order to have a radio collar or a new battery in the old one, DNA-samples are taken. Samples are also taken from faeces for example. The analyses have produced a unique knowledge about who is related to who in the skandinavian wolf population. And also, more worrying, that it runs a severe risk of inbreeding problems. THE WOLF is a film that tells the story of both the scientists´ work and the knowledge that comes out of it. We work in close cooperation with the staff of Grimsö forskningsstation. The film focuses on two main characters: • Håkan Sand who leads the Swedish Wolf Research Project • The wolf Ulrik which is alpha male in the so called Ulriksberg Territory Through them we wish to tell a story that is generally applicable. Our ambition is to contribute to a discussion more founded on facts than rumours.
Sweden