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For Immediate Release
Wolf Awareness Week is October 19 - 26, 2003
WASHINGTON, DC -- The drive to bring gray wolves back from the brink of extinction in the lower 48 states has led to some gains in wolf populations, but many challenges remain that could easily reverse the progress made and further decimate the species, Defenders of Wildlife noted today in advance of Wolf Awareness Week.
"Put simply, this species will not recover further without federal help," said Nina Fascione, Vice President of Species Conservation at Defenders of Wildlife. "We have made significant gains and brought wolves back from the brink of extinction, but they still inhabit less than 5 percent of their original range. And, with continued illegal hunting and hostile state management plans, that 5 percent could shrink dramatically."
Ms. Fascione cited the following threats to the North American gray wolf:
- The federal government has recently downgraded wolves from "endangered" to "threatened" and is proposing to remove federal protections entirely, turning over management of the species to the states, many of which have signaled their intent to embark upon aggressive wolf-control programs. (Defenders of Wildlife has filed suit to block this effort; for more information see below).
- Despite their protected status, wolves continue to be victimized by illegal hunters and trappers. Recently, four rare Mexican wolves were killed in New Mexico and Arizona and a wolf was killed last week in Idaho. No arrests have been reported in either case, but Defenders is offering rewards for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
- As with many other species, expanded development and road building continue to encroach on wolf habitat, threatening the species and further forcing wolves into human communities.
"What many opponents of wolf conservation programs don’t understand is that Americans can and do coexist peacefully with wolves," said Ms. Fascione. "This isn’t an either/or proposition; there are numerous steps that can be taken that allow humans and wolves to interact safely and in a way that benefits both parties."
Defenders of Wildlife is one of the leading wolf conservation organizations and conducts extensive public education programs on how to coexist with wolves. Defenders staff travel across the country hosting seminars and discussion programs on wolf behavior and human/wolf interaction, all with the goal of raising public awareness about the important role wolves play in our ecosystem. Defenders also engages in aggressive conservation efforts to protect the species from various threats:
- When necessary, Defenders litigates against federal and state initiatives that jeopardize wolf recovery efforts. Recently, Defenders joined with 16 other groups to file suit blocking the federal attempt to "declassify" wolves and dilute their status as endangered and protected animals.
- Defenders of Wildlife helped pioneer the use of economic incentives to promote protection of endangered species on private lands. Experts credit Defenders and The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust, which pays livestock owners for losses to wolf predation, as the most important factor contributing to the recent reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and the northern Rockies.
- Proactive measures to prevent wolf-human conflict are also part of Defenders’ efforts through The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund. Through the fund, landowners that have repeated predator problems can seek funding for practical projects that will help reduce conflict.
- And finally, Defenders of Wildlife also works closely with law enforcement agencies to stop the illegal killing of imperiled species and has established the Imperiled Predator Fund, which works to help authorities uncover information on illegal wolf hunting, along with the illegal killing of other predators.
"Americans overwhelmingly support wolf conservation measures," said Ms. Fascione. "Polls have continually shown strong public support for wolf reintroduction efforts, even in rural regions that are home to farmers and ranchers."
"During Wolf Awareness Week, I urge all Americans to take a second look at this magnificent and often misunderstood creature. Wolves have been an integral part of the North American ecosystem for hundreds of years and they remain so today," added Fascione.
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 430,000 members and supporters, 90,000 in California alone, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues. To stay current on hot topics in wildlife conservation, subscribe to DENlines, Defenders of Wildlife’s electronic update and action alert network. To subscribe to DENlines or for more information on Defenders of Wildlife projects, please visit www.defenders.org.
