Wolves return to Durango after 50-year absence in landmark binational conservation effort

A battalion of endangered wolves was released into the chaotic successful the bluish Mexican authorities of Durango connected Friday, acknowledgment to collaboration betwixt Mexico and the United States nether the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program.

The reintroduction of the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) to Durango marks a historical infinitesimal for the species, allowing the wolf — to instrumentality to its earthy situation of Sierra Madre Occidental aft 50 years of lack from the wild. According to Wolf Haven International, determination are lone 311 Mexican wolves known to beryllium surviving successful the chaotic today.

The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) facilitated the return of the 4 wolves to the wood assemblage of El Tarahumar and Bajíos del Tarahumar, successful the municipality of Santa Catarina de Tepehuanes, pursuing the unanimous support of the assemblage assembly.

“Durango boasts well-preserved forests acknowledgment to the liable absorption carried retired by ejidos (communal landholdings) and communities, which creates optimal conditions for the instrumentality of emblematic taxon similar the Mexican wolf,” said Semarnat Minister for the authorities of Durango Claudia Hernández Espino.

The battalion of 1 alpha male, 1 alpha pistillate and 2 females (their pups) was transported from the U.S. to Durango with enactment from assorted governmental and world institutions, including: The General Directorate of Wildlife (DGVS) of Semarnat, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), the Arizona Game & Fish Department and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, among others. 

The wolves underwent rigorous wellness inspections earlier the reintroduction. Now, they volition stay successful a pre-release enclosure nether quality attraction temporarily to let them to accommodate to the situation earlier their merchandise into the wild.

Once released, the wolves volition beryllium monitored via radiotelemetry and camera traps to measure their adaptation and movements. Authorities volition besides enactment intimately with agrarian communities to beforehand coexistence and wildlife conservation. 

Binational SAFE efforts person supported the breeding, reintroduction and conservation of the Mexican wolf since the 1970s. A 2nd battalion of wolves is expected to beryllium reintroduced into the Sierra Madre Occidental astatine a aboriginal date, pursuing monitoring and valuation of the archetypal pack. 

With reports from Milenio and Informador