The Mexican wolf recovery plan is expanding and so are the politics around it

If the quotes in the article are accurate regarding the anti-wolf lobby, then apparently a large segment of the population has an iq about the same as a plant. I am vaguely familiar with the arguments on both sides, but the stupidity displayed here (on the anti-wolf side) was beyond anything I have heard before.
 
@AD, old myths die hard(er) ..., I am afraid. We battle the same preconceptions overseas on our Continent.

I am glad it looks that finally the USFWS is expanding the Mexican wolf recovery programme. It seemed beyond the ridiculous that a critically endangered species was never before allowed to take root and hold beyond a population of a mere 60-80 individuals - which is hardly a nomer for a sustainable and secure wolf population.

Further, transboundary wildlife conservation beyond Arizona and New Mexico into Mexico - where the species has an equal tenuous hold .. - would be similarly welcome news.
 
So for political and scientific purposes, the Mexican wolf reintroduction (which is a subspecies of the grey wolf with an "extinct in the wild" assessment, no critically endangered) was considered experimental up to this point. This population was studied to observe the effects of their presence in the area. This change in policy is just the next phase in the recovery plan's project.

Several reintroduction projects have failed in the U.S. because of poor planning, poor science, or just bad luck (Thick-billed parrots, black-footed ferret, whooping crane). Because Mexican wolves became extinct in the wild, there was no urgency to maintain a viable population in the wild. In addition a captive breeding program has been successful in building a large population to support reintroduction projects.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top