I would like to attempt to clear up the misunderstanding contained in Mark Nauman’s letter to the editor, “Living the Wildlife” printed on April 9, 1996.

It is apparent that many students are not aware of the entire story of the new swans on Lake LaVerne.

First of all, I agree that by giving animals names and using them to represent a university tradition, a “pet syndrome” towards wildlife may occur.

I would also though like to point out that they are not domesticated animals and not just “pet” swans, but they are trumpeter swans. Trumpeter swans are a historically native species which replaced the former swans of Lake LaVerne which were non-native mute swans.

Trumpeter swans are North America’s largest waterfowl and nested in Iowa until 1893.

After settlement, trumpeter swans were driven from the state due to habitat loss, and unregulated market hunting. In fact, they were nearly driven to extinction throughout whole country for the same reasons. In the 1930’s, only 69 swans remained.

Since then, several states have joined in an effort to restore trumpeter swan populations in their state and the whole country. In 1993, Iowa, through the Department of Natural Resources, joined the effort and began a trumpeter swan restoration program. The goal of this effort is to establish 15 migratory breeding pairs in the state by the year 2003.

To accomplish this goal, swan pairs are bought from other states and placed on wetland sites throughout Iowa just like the pair on Lake LaVerne.

The pairs are kept on these sites where they are provided with food, protection, and nesting sites. These swans and their offspring not only help to increase low swan numbers, but they also may become part of the 15 breeding pair goal.

The trumpeter swans at ISU are a unique situation in Iowa’s restoration program since this is an urban setting. These swans are still part of the restoration program and it is hoped that in 3 or 4 years the pair will nest and provide offspring to add to swan restoration.

I hope to be able to say that one day trumpeter swans will be managed as other wildlife. But currently, swan numbers are too low for management to occur. This is why restoration is key to the trumpeter swan’s future wildlife status.

Elaine and Lancelot may be viewed as ISU’s “pet” swans, but they are also a critical link in restoring a native wildlife species and they should receive the respect they deserve.

Jennifer Watson

Senior

Animal Ecology