The reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf in the Southwest is on the brink of a major shift, with wildlife officials reporting an encouraging increase in their population. Current estimates show there are at least 319 of these endangered wolves in the wild, a number that closely aligns with recovery plan targets.
This marks the 10th consecutive year of population growth, with a notable increase of 33 wolves last year alone. Officials believe this consistent rise signals a potential transition to a new recovery phase.
According to the state’s recovery plan, if the wild population averages 320 wolves over four years, the species might be eligible for downlisting under the Endangered Species Act. “Downlisting is seen as an intermediary step that allows some additional flexibility, and recognizes the success that has been achieved,” explained Jim deVos, Arizona Game and Fish Department Mexican Wolf Program Manager. “We think that the clock may have started tolling, particularly with the 319 this year.”
However, groups like the Center for Biological Diversity argue that the criteria for downlisting are not scientifically grounded and may not comply with federal law. Michael Robinson from the center remarked, “It’s inspiring that there are now hundreds of Mexican wolves in the Southwest, especially considering there were zero roaming the wild just three decades ago. The big danger is that politics will strip these still-imperiled wolves of their Endangered Species Act protections before they’re truly recovered.”
Conservationists express concerns that downlisting could weaken existing protections and highlight the ongoing challenge of genetic diversity for the wolves’ long-term survival. Efforts to restore the Mexican gray wolf population began in 1998, after they were nearly wiped out.
Every winter, state and federal wildlife biologists head out from Alpine, Arizona, utilizing helicopters, planes, and trucks to capture and count these elusive wolves as part of their conservation efforts.
—
Read More Arizona News
