Ethos: The Practical Ethics Blog

Those of you with an interest in wolves and human culture will find this series by the PBS show ‘Nature’ to be fascinating.

cheers, Bill

 

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From the PBS website, www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/dog/index.html….

NATURE’s two-part special DOGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD tells the epic story of the wolf’s evolution, how “man’s best friend” changed human society and we in turn have radically transformed dogs. Part one, “The Rise of the Dog,” premieres Sunday, April 22 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS. Part two, “Dogs by Design,” premieres Sunday, April 29 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings for both broadcasts).

From the tiniest Chihuahua to the powerful and massive English Mastiff, modern domesticated dogs come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes, with an equally diverse range of temperaments and behaviors. And yet, according to genetics, all dogs evolved from the savage and wild wolf-in a transformation that occurred just 15,000 years ago.

In THE RISE OF THE DOG, you’ll learn about how the domestication of dogs might have taken place, including the theory of biologist Raymond Coppinger that it was the animals themselves-and human trash-that inspired the transformation. The genetic analysis of Peter Savolainen of the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden has placed the origins of domesticated dogs-and those of the first dog-in East Asia. You’ll also discover 14 dog breeds that controversial genetic studies show are the most ancient-and the best living representatives of the ancestors to all living dogs.

Over 400 breeds of dog are recognized around the world, each unique for its personality, habits, and form. Most of these breeds exploded onto the scene over the past 150 years, spurred by the Victorian-era passion for the “dog fancy”-the selective breeding of dogs to enhance particular characteristics. By tinkering with its genetics, humans made the dog the most varied animal species on the planet-and also created a host of hereditary health problems.

Despite the plethora of new shapes and sizes, dogs have retained the instincts bred into their ancestors by thousands of years of work: the urge to herd or hunt, to dig and to guard. In DOGS BY DESIGN you’ll discover how these hard-wired behaviors help different types of dogs, from hounds to herders, excel at different tasks (and why it can sometimes be so difficult to train them to do otherwise). You’ll also learn how dogs’ finely tuned senses are serving humans and saving lives.

As a special bonus, the producers of NATURE have created an exclusive podcast for our online users. In this exclusive video, producer/director Corinna Faith discusses the challenges of filming dogs in remote locations around the world, including sled dogs in the Arctic, singing dogs in Papua New Guinea and sheepdogs in the Scottish fells.

Don’t miss this exclusive behind the scenes look at the film.

Click here to watch the podcast.

View the Production Credits for DOGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Part one, “The Rise of the Dog.”

View the Production Credits for DOGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Part two, “Dogs By Design.”

William Lynn :: Apr.29.2007 :: Environmental Studies, Human-Animal Studies, Wolves :: No Comments »

The North American Wolf Conference began 19 years ago in northwestern Montana as a small interagency wolf recovery meeting, hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As wolves were restored to Yellowstone and central Idaho, the meeting became an annual regional conference, co-sponsored by the Wolf Recovery Foundation. It continued to grow in scope as new participants attended from across North America, and often included guest presenters from Europe and Asia. In 1999, Defenders of Wildlife became an official co-sponsor and assumed much of the duties for organizing the event. Due to the conference’s origins, it has traditionally been held in the Northern Rockies. However, in order to promote the importance of the Mexican wolf recovery program, the 2007 conference is being held in Flagstaff, Arizona, not far from the Grand Canyon, one of America’s most awe-inspiring and magnificent national parks.

The North American Wolf Conference serves as a bridge to connect leading wolf biologists, conservationists, livestock owners, depredation specialists, educators and state, tribal and federal wolf managers to share information ranging from ecological and genetic research, non-lethal techniques to reduce livestock conflicts to economical and environmental impacts of wolf restoration. Former presenters include Ed Bangs, Lu Carbyn, Jamie Rappaport Clark, Steven Fritts, William Lynn, L. David Mech, Marco Musiani, Paul Paquet, Doug Smith, Robert Wayne and many more. The conference is sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife, the Wolf Recovery Foundation, and the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project.

For registration and lodging information please visit www.defenders.org/wolf/conference or e-mail or call Laura Jones at ljones@defenders.org, or (541) 552-9653.

Silent Auction to Benefit Wolf Recovery Efforts

You can help wolf recovery efforts by donating to the silent auction that happens in conjunction with the conference. The silent auction raises critical funds for The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund. Past donations helped fund night corrals for sheep bed grounds near Yellowstone National Park, alternative grazing for cattle pastured near the Buffalo Ridge pack in central Idaho and more! Defenders proactive work helps reduce conflicts between wolves and humans which helps raise tolerance amongst those living with wolves. To get more information regarding our proactive work, visit: www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/facts/pro.html

Past donations to the auction have included artwork, jewelry, camping/recreational gear, certificates for restaurants, adventure tours and much more!

A donation from you would not only help strengthen our programs, but also provide you with a wonderful advertising opportunity. If you would like to donate an item to this event, please e-mail Laura Jones at: ljones@defenders.org by April 10, 2007.

Friday Field Trip to the Grand Canyon

Join us for a field trip in the Grand Canyon Ecoregion. Spend the day exploring prime wolf habitat, learning about the area, and enjoying amazing views, including the majestic Grand Canyon.

We will travel a circuitous route to the Grand Canyon, with our first stop at Kendrick Park for a wildlife walk and view of the San Francisco Peaks. Our second stop will be Red Mountain Vista, where we will be able to track the life-zone transition from ponderosa pine forest into the low, gnarled branches of the pinion & juniper, as well as the vast grasslands of northern Arizona. From there , we will veer off the beaten path and onto Forest Service roads that lead through the Coconino Rim proposed wilderness.

Sack lunches will be provided, and we’ll enjoy them at Hull Cabin, which actually consists of four primitive cabins that lie in a meadow surrounded by old growth ponderosa pine. None of the buildings have electricity, plumbing or telephone service. The appearance of the site has changed little since its construction in 1888.

Finally, we will enjoy views of Grand Canyon from Grand View Point, where the ponderosa and aspen forest overlooks the canyon, then finish we’ll finish up with a stop at the South Rim Visitor Center. In April the Canyon hosts a wide diversity of native flora and fauna and is home to the newly restored California Condors. The proceeds from the field trip will also go the the Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive fund.

We hope you are able to come and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Southwestern USA while learning more about wolves throughout North America.

Regards,

Amaroq Weiss and Laura Jones
Co-Moderators, PW-WIN
Defenders of Wildlife

William Lynn :: Apr.01.2007 :: Environmental Studies, Human-Animal Studies, Wolves :: No Comments »