Mexican Wolf

Canis lupus baileyi

Description

The Mexican gray wolf is the rarest, smallest, and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolves known to live in North America. Mexican wolves typically weigh between 23-36 kg (50-80 lbs) and have a varied coat color including mixtures of black, gray, white, red, and brown.

Habitat and Range

The range of the Mexican wolf is believed to have included central and southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, southwestern Texas and in the Sierra Madre and adjoining highlands of Mexico. Their habitat includes oak forests, oak/pine forests, or pine forests adjacent to open areas at elevations ranging from 1372-2743 meters (4500-9000 feet) above sea level. Unconfirmed reports persist from Durango and Chihuahua, with biologists attempting to confirm actual wolf presence in these areas. (See Conservation section below).

Conservation

Intensive efforts by both private individuals and government agencies led to the eradication of the Mexican wolf through most of its historic range. In 1976, the Mexican wolf was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Between 1977 and 1980, five Mexican wolves were captured in Mexico under a joint agreement between the United States and Mexico. These original wolves, and two additional lineages of captive wolves added in 1995, make up the captive breeding population that is now managed by the Mexican Gray Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

In March 1998, the howl of the Mexican wolf could once again be heard echoing through the hills of the Blue Mountain Range in Arizona. Wolves that are potential candidates for release are evaluated on several factors including their genetic make-up, breeding history, and enhanced fear of humans. Wildlife biologists use a "soft release" method, which allows the wolves to adjust to the release area for a period of time before the pen doors are opened. Reintroduced wolves are designated as a "nonessential experimental population" under the ESA. This will allow for greater management flexibility relating to livestock depredation issues, major land use restrictions translocations, captures, and other monitoring needs. International wolf experts rate the recovery of the Mexican wolf as the highest priority of gray wolf recovery programs worldwide. In July 2007, there were ~300 Mexican wolves in captivity in the U.S. and Mexico and ~60 wolves living free in Arizona and New Mexico.

back to Gray Wolf Subspecies