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Working Together: Optimal Control of Wolf Management Across Multiple States

Author

Listed:
  • M. Ben Goodwin

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Jamal Mamkhezri

    (New Mexico State University)

  • Fidel Gonzalez

    (Sam Houston State University)

Abstract

The reintroduction of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) has been largely successful in the upper Rocky Mountain region (URM). This led the federal government to hand over the responsibility of managing the species to the individual states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. As each state currently works mainly independently, this study examines if there are any spillover effects to jointly managing wolves in the region. We develop theoretical optimal control and system dynamics bioeconomic models to determine the steady states for the number of wolves, their management, and corresponding net benefits for Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and the region as a whole from 2000 to 2030. Results from the models show potential benefits when states work together in the form of greater economic efficiencies in management and potentially larger wolf populations. Using a system dynamics model, we find the optimal management path under three different management scenarios with the possibility of improving net benefits by almost $1 million per year when states work together. Our results provide meaningful insights for policymakers which could potentially impact how states approach management of a species that can be both expensive and controversial.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Ben Goodwin & Jamal Mamkhezri & Fidel Gonzalez, 2023. "Working Together: Optimal Control of Wolf Management Across Multiple States," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 62(4), pages 1751-1780, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:compec:v:62:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10614-022-10317-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10614-022-10317-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimal control model; Endangered species; Gray wolf; Wildlife management; System dynamics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics
    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques

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