Defenders' Experts
Current Status of Reintroduced Mexican Wolves
The final environmental impact statement for the reintroduction of Mexican wolves predicted that by the 6th year of the program, there would be 102 wild wolves, and 18 breeding pairs. Instead, by early 2011 (year 12), we had only 50 wild wolves total, and only 2 breeding pairs.
About 100 captive bred Mexican wolves have been released, and the wolves are doing their part—forming packs, killing elk, pairing up and raising pups. So why is the population still so low?
- Until recently, too many wolves were being removed; the population is still recovering from past removals, although the USFWS is now much more careful about removing wolves
- Illegal killings
- The population needs new genes (more wolves released) in order to improve survival
How can the Mexican wolf be saved?
- The USFWS needs to expedite completion of an up-to-date recovery plan, including a genetic rescue plan
- Release more wolves to replace those lost to illegal killing or other factors
- Emphasize both law enforcement and prosecution of wolf-killers
- Bolster efforts to prevent conflicts between livestock and wolves, including seating the new Interdiction Stakeholder Council
How You Can Help
- Protect wolves in Alaska and the lower 48 states from aerial gunning by urging Congress to pass the Protect America's Wildlife (PAW) Act
- Help wolves and other wildlife by adopting a wolf or making wolf-saving gift today at our Wildlife Adoption and Gift Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
Mexican Wolf Population
After several years of stagnant or declining population numbers, the USFWS has become much more careful about removing wolves. In November 2009, in settling a suit brought be Defenders of Wildlife and other groups, the Service agreed to abandon the inflexible “three-strikes” rule that was dooming the population. This year’s boost in numbers suggests that this is working.
In 2010, no wolves were removed for conflicts with livestock, and 14 pups survived to the end of the year. Unfortunately, at least 3 adults were illegally killed, which negatively affects pack structure and pup survival.
Mexican wolves are in real trouble—with only 50 wild wolves they are facing a second extinction in the wild. The captive population is unfortunately not a perpetual safety net from which we can always release wolves Not only do animals residing in captivity for many generations lose general fitness, but Mexican wolves in particular (because they are descended from just 7 founders) are becoming more unhealthy. To survive and protect all of its genetic potential, the species needs to rapidly expand its numbers beyond what is possible in captivity.
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