22 Mexican Wolf Pups Released into Wild to Avoid Extinction

A record number of 22 captive-born Mexican wolf pups have been released into the wild to be taken care of by surrogate wolf parents. During April and May, nine wolf pups were fostered in three different packs in eastern Arizona, and thirteen wolf pups were fostered in five packs in New Mexico.

For six years, Mexican wolf pups have been raised in captivity and released to foster parents. This not only helps to boost the genetic diversity of this species but also helps to move the population towards a safer number.

Jim deVos, AZGFD Mexican Wolf Coordinator, said, “Fostering is an outstanding example of a working private-public recovery program. Wolf recovery has to recognize the importance of meeting genetic criteria.

Which requires many private organizations to maintain captive wolves for release into the wild. Without this important partnership, genetic recovery would be essentially impossible.

Importantly, we are now seeing Mexican wolves that have been fostered producing litters themselves. Further supporting the use of fostering as an effective conservation tool.”

These types of fostering programs are more important than ever to keep the species diverse and flourishing. With Mexican wolves at dangerously low numbers, this is their best chance at growing again.

These types of programs are giving conservationists hope that the population of Mexican wolves will grow and become self-sufficient.

Sign this petition to tell Congress to pass the Extinction Crisis Emergency Act, and to urge President Joe Biden to use the National Emergencies Act of 1976 to mobilize resources that will save animals’ and plants’ lives. He must declare the current extinction events a national emergency!

This article by Abigail Jane was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 16 August 2021. Lead Image Source : Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.

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