The most endangered Wolf in North America.
The Mexican wolf exists today only as a few zoo animals.
Except in the Mexican Wolf recovery program in Arizona and
All derive from a perilously narrow genetic base, and all have been
separated from life in the wild by one, two, or three generations.
restoration has garnered considerable public support, many people
in the Southwest still regard killing wolves as an
affirmation of community
values. In short the Lobo, is the most endangered wolf in the World.
The Mexican wolf is the smallest gray wolf in America, weighting
from 50 to 90 pounds. Mexican Lobo wolfs live further south than
any other North American gray wolf. Some think that the Mexican
wolves differ from northern wolves by virtue of shorter and more
pointed ears, shorter coats, and a tendency toward ruddy pelage
color. The Lobo looks like what it is: a small, southern dwelling
race of the gray wolf. Seems likly that the Mexican wolf decended
from an early race of North American wolves; thus it is a relatively
primitive and coyote like gray wolf. Recent genetic analysis of
Mexican wolves showed that the mitochondrial DNA contains a
unique pattern, which makes a strong case for considering the
Lobo a distinct subspecies of gray wolf. This was the major
reason the international council of wolf scientists called the
Mexican wolf the
"highest priority need for wolf conservation the world over."
The above is an introduction of what has been thought of the
Mexican Wolves. On, March 21, 2000, Tuesday, 60 mins 2 , gave a
report about the recovery program for the Mexican Wolf. At
the present time they have 10 Mexican wolves to be re-release.
Below the Latest from the Field.Latest Note from the Field
March 6, 2000
Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update February 15- February 28, 2000
This is a brief summary of current information about the Mexican wolf reintroduction for the interested public. Additional
copies of this update and other information can be obtained by calling (505) 248-6664 or (520) 367-4281 or visiting our web site, http://ifw2es.fws.gov/MexicanWolf/. Call the toll-free number at(888) 459-9653 to report suspected livestock
depredation or incidents of take or harassment of wolves. The reintroduction is a multi-agency cooperative effort (U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA-Wildlife Services,
U.S. Forest Service).FIELD ACTIVITIES
Campbell Blue Pack (M166) - new in acclimation pen = F518, f592, f594 F222, the potential mate for M166, was returned to
captivity on February 16. She had been released from the Engineer Springs pen on January 5 but was returned to the pen
because she began interacting with dogs at a nearby hunters camp. She was re-released after the hunting season on February 6
but quickly began interacting with ranch dogs near Eagle Creek. M166 had attempted to remain near her during both releases,
and was not involved in the interactions with dogs. On February 19 a new potential mate was and two of her female pups born
last spring was transferred to the Engineer Springs acclimation pen from Sevilleta Refuge. M166 has been located by the pen
every day since their arrival.Hawks Nest Pack (M131, F486, + pups 600, 601, 602 - genders unknown) The pack has largely remained in their usual
territory around Campbell Blue and Beaver Creek drainages. The pack is successfully killing and feeding on elk. The field
staff has confirmed that at least two pups are still alive.Gavilan Yearling (m555) The yearling (he will be two years old this spring) continues to explore on his own. He has been
located in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico near Snow Lake and recently in the Collins Park area. Field staff witnessed
the yearling attack a cow elk. However, before personnel could confirm the death of the elk, the yearling moved off.On February 22 a rancher reported a domestic cow in O Bar O Canyon that had been bitten around the ears, head, and tail.
Wildlife Services investigated the complaint but could not positively confirm what kind of animal was responsible for the
attack. During the past two weeks the field team has been unable to locate the yearling using ground and aerial telemetry. The
depredation was referred to Defenders of Wildlife as a "possible wolf". The cow is expected to recover. Field staff continue to
search for m555.
Links
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolfs
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Credit for all images, are on Page 4, others as far as I know are public domain.
