The Mexican gray wolf sees a small increase in numbers but is still on the verge of extinction
The Mexican gray wolf sees a small increase in numbers but is still on the verge of extinction
Wolf packs increase, but lobos remain among the rarest species in the Southwest United States
SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO — The wild population of Mexican gray wolves has increased slightly over the past year. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) released its 2021 wild Mexican gray wolf population census results today, revealing that the number of wolves increased slightly to a minimum of 196. . However, this small 5% increase from the 2020 estimate is dampened by revelations of high mortality (including illegal killing), low pupae survival rates, and the growing crisis. Deepening genetic crises continue to threaten wild populations. Additionally, for political reasons, the Service has kept well bonded animals in captivity, rather than releasing them into the wild, although appropriate and diverse family groups are available and Willing to release from captivity facilities.
“The dramatic shortfall in disappointing growth is an indication that this recovery model is not working,” said Chris Smith, southwest wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “Lobos needs better protection and more room to roam and re-establish itself. U.S. Fish and Wildlife continues to defy science and bow to political pressure. “
“While 144 pups were born in 2021, only 56 survived their first year. It is clear that the Mexican wolves need the US Fish and Wildlife Service to work harder and harder to rehabilitate them. They need to immediately implement a plan to release well bonded packs instead of relying on cross-breeding of puppies to restore this highly endangered wolf population,” said Sandy Bahr, Grand Program Manager. Canyon (Arizona) of the Sierra Club said. “We need more wild wolves in more places in the Southwest to ensure their sustainable recovery.”
Wolves need access to additional suitable habitat where packs can spread and provide ecological benefit as a key species. Unfortunately, political opposition to habitat expansion in northern Arizona and New Mexico has hampered the species’ recovery by preventing many of the subpopulations that science shows the lobos need.
“We are delighted to have a few more Mexican gray wolves in the wild compared to last year,” said Greta Anderson, Vice President of the Western Waterss Project. “But there is still a long way to go towards full recovery, and wildlife managers and policymakers will need to move fast to ensure populations have sufficient genetic diversity and are not geographical space to really survive in this rapidly changing climate. ”
Forward-thinking management is needed to ensure that Mexican gray wolves have the freedom to roam and the legal protection they need to thrive in the wild, including management policies to adequately address the effects of illegal killing, the risk of inbreeding, climate change, and habitat encroachment.
Kelly Burke, executive director of Wild Arizona commented: “The positive trend in Mexican gray wolves numbers in the wild is welcome news, but a total of just 196 lobos is making them among the animals. most critically endangered species in the world,” commented Kelly Burke, chief executive officer of Wild Arizona. “At a time when we realize that raising wolves in the wild in the Southwest can help save us from the worst effects of climate change, the Service needs to boldly support, not hinder. return, restore the lobo.”
Background of the Mexican gray wolf: The gray wolf, or Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest, most genetically distinct species, and one of the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf. These native Southwest wolves were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1976 after being exterminated in the wild. Restoration efforts began in 1998, but conservation efforts have failed without recommended restoration actions.
For years, scientists have recommended to the Service that there be three subpopulations of at least 200 wolves each (for a minimum total of 750), spread across the southwestern United States, including areas such as the Grand Canyon Ecoregion and the Southern Rockies (Carroll et al. 2006; Wayne and Hedrick 2011; Carroll et al. 2014; Hendricks et al. 2016). The scientists warn that this superpopulation and geographical distribution is imperative for the recovery of the Mexican wolves. Unfortunately, we are still far short of this scientific recommendation.
CONTACT:
Chris Smith, Southwest Wildlife Advocate, Defender of WildEarth, 505-395-6177; [email protected]
Kelly Burke, Managing Director, Wild Arizona, (928) 606-7870; [email protected]
Greta Anderson, Associate Director, Western Waterss Project, (520) 623-1878; [email protected]
Sandy Bahr, Chapter Director, Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter, (602) 999-5790; [email protected]
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