Endangered Species Coalition 2015 Top 10 Report Nominating Form
General Information
1
Organization & Web address
2
3
4
5
6
Contact name for species info
Address
Email & phone
Communications staff contact name
Email & phone
Nominating Organizations: Please use this Column to Provide the Requested Information
Wildlands Network http://wildlandsnetwork.org/wildways; Grand Canyon
Wildlands Council <http://grandcanyonwildlands.org/>
Kim Crumbo
3275 Taylor Avenue. Ogden UT 84403
kim@grandcanyonwildlands.org
Kim Vacariu
kim@wildlandsnetwork.org; 520-558-0165/520-390-3969
General Species Information
7
8
9
10
Common name, genus, and species
Geographic range
Conservation status
Remaining population size
Mexican wolf; Canis lupus baileyi
Southwestern U.S.; Northwestern Mexico
10j “non-essential’; proposed 10j non-essential 10j endangered subspecies.
~ 100 wolves in the wild
Report Questions
11
12
13
Do you have high-resolution photos that can
be used in the report?
Will you want printed reports? If so, how
many?
If your species is selected, will you use the
report as a tool to organize around the
species and/or publicize its plight?
Yes
Yes. 10.
Yes
Public Engagement Questions (Please explain why the species is interesting, why it matters, why decision-makers + the public should care.)0
14
Interesting facts about the species
One of the most endangered mammals in North America (Paquet et al. 2001). The best
available science and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) projects that at even
the currently authorized population objective of 100 wolves in the Blue Range Wolf
Recovery Area (BRWRA) will most likely condemn Mexican wolves with extinction
(Federal Register 2013a). Credible studies demonstrate that C. l. baileyi has unique
genetic markers that distinguish the subspecies from other North American gray
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies
wolves, The origin of the distinct genetic traits and morphological features of the
Mexican wolf are uncertain, but it is hypothesized that C.l. baileyi represents one of
the earliest waves of migration of the gray wolf onto the continent (Wayne and Vilá
2003).
References Cited:
Federal Register. 2013. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Revision to the Nonessential Experimental
Population of the Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi),
Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2013–0098. Vol. 78, No. 150, Page 47268. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR2013-08-05/pdf/2013-18823.pdf.
Paquet, P.C., J.A.Vucetich, M.K. Phillips, and L.M. Vucetich. 2001. Mexican Wolf
Recovery: Three-year Program Review and Assessment. Prepared by the
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group for the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Apple Valley, Minnesota, USA.
SPS (Science and Planning Subgroup). 2011. Draft Mexican Wolf Revised
Recovery Plan Sections I.g, III, and Apendix B. Leaked Document of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolf Recovery Team.
15
Additional background information to
complete the species profile in the report
The Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973 listing the Mexican gray
wolf as an endangered species in 1976. Under an international agreement, five wild
Mexican wolves (four males and one pregnant female) were captured alive in Mexico
from 1977 to 1980 to establish a captive breeding program. Ultimately, only 7
founding Mexican wolves (four males and three females) survived the “wolf wars” and
are the mothers and fathers of all Mexican wolves alive to day.
Reference: McBride, R. T. 1980. The Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). U.S.
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered
Species Report 8, Washington, D.C., USA.
16
What are the most important messages that
should be communicated about this species'
decline? Please be sure to indicate your
organization’s lead message that you would
Recovery of the critically endangered Mexican wolf requires three ecologically
connected subpopulations in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah and southern
Colorado. The current Mexican Wolf Recovery Team’s Science and Planning Subgroup
(SPS) scientists, appointed by the USFWS Regional Director for their recognized expertise
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies
in scientific disciplines relevant to Mexican wolf recovery, recommended that a minimum
of three, naturally connected subpopulations of at least 200 individuals each comprising
a metapopulation of at least 750 wolves are essential to the survival and recovery of
Mexican gray wolves in the wild. The region recommended by the SPS includes including
the existing Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area (BRWRA) population in western New Mexico
and eastern Arizona, as well as portions of southern Utah and Colorado.
Yes. We have been engaged in the Mexican wolf recovery effort for over a decade.
Our Western Conservation Director is an active member of the informal Mexican
Wolf Coalition; and is a stakeholder member of current USFWS Mexican Wolf
Recovery Team.
Public outreach to achieve sufficient pressure on the agencies to expeditiously
generate and implement a recovery plan based on the best available science is
essential for Mexican wolf recovery.
The USFWS is obligated to develop and implement a revised Mexican Wolf Recovery
Plan.
like to be included in the report.
17
Is your NGO working to save the species? If
yes, how? (Optional)
18
How can individuals help? Please be as
specific as possible.
19
Is there anything else that governments or
others could/should/are doing to save the
species?
Criteria-specific Questions – Please feel free to answer N/A or “see above/below” as appropriate. Please cite any substantiating scientific studies.
20
21
Describe the specific threat(s) to the species.
Why is it in need of greater connectivity?
Illegal killing. Inadequate recovery area. Low genetic diversity.
The current USFWS Science & Planning Subgroup recommended that a minimum of
three, naturally connected subpopulations of at least 200 individuals each comprising a
metapopulation of at least 750 wolves are essential to the survival and recovery of Mexican gray
wolves in the wild. The region recommended by the SPS includes including the existing
Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area (BRWRA) population in western New Mexico and eastern
Arizona, as well as portions of southern Utah and Colorado.
References:
Carroll, Carlos, Richard J. Fredrickson, and Robert C. Lacy. 2013. Developing Metapopulation
Connectivity Criteria for Genetic and Habitat Data to Recover the Endangered Mexican Wolf.
Conservation Biology 28(1): 76-86.
SPS (Science and Planning Subgroup). 2011. Draft Mexican Wolf Revised
Recovery Plan Sections I.g, III, and Apendix B. Leaked Document of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolf Recovery Team.
22
Is its geographic range shifting?
Assumed under climate disruption projections.
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies
23
24
Is there concern around the cyclical/seasonal
life of the species and its interactions within
ecosystems?
Does it have isolated populations?
25
Is it at risk of low genetic diversity?
Mexican wolves are effective generalists regarding habitat and diet.
Yes. Currently a population ~ 100 individuals confined to the current Blue Range Wolf
Recovery Area of eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico
Yes. Reference: Carroll, Carlos, Richard J. Fredrickson, and Robert C. Lacy. 2013. Developing
Metapopulation Connectivity Criteria for Genetic and Habitat Data to Recover the Endangered Mexican
Wolf. Conservation Biology 28(1): 76-86.
26
27
How urgent is the need for greater
connectivity in order to conserve this
species? Does it face a current, imminent, or
future threat?
The Mexican wolf is a critically endangered species whose recovery requires an active
federal program to provide adequate habitat consisting of at least 750 individuals
within a minimum of three connected subpopulation. Reference: SPS (Science and
Planning Subgroup). 2011. Draft Mexican Wolf Revised Recovery Plan Sections I.g, III, and
Apendix B. Leaked Document of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolf Recovery
Team.
Indicate if there is an associated political
threat. For instance, is this species being
actively attacked by an industry group or
member of Congress?
The anti-wolf stanch of western state wildlife agencies and legislators is legendary.
Judge’s Score for Severity and Extent of Threat:
3
28
Detail information on any social or economic
benefits the species provides—e.g., its value
for recreation or as a subject of scientific
research. (Optional)
29
Detail the ecological importance of the
species (e.g., is it a keystone species?).
While economic information specific to Mexican wolf recovery is unknown by us,
reference to the Yellowstone experience is helpful. Recent estimates of +$35.5 million
is not significantly different from the 1994 EIS estimate of +$27.7 million (2005 dollars)
benefits to the local economy is insightful.
Reference: Duffield, John, Chris Neher, and David Patterson. 2006. Wolves and People
in Yellowstone: Impacts on the Regional Economy. Final Report. University of Montana.
http://www.defenders.org/publications/wolves_and_people_in_yellowstone.pdf
The wolf is the consummate strongly interactive species whose ecologically effective
populations play a major role is restoring ecological integrity and resilience.
References:
Beschta, Robert L, and William J. Ripple. 2009. Large Predators and Trophic Cascades in Terrestrial
Ecosystems of the Western United States. Biological Conservation 142:2401-2414
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies
Beschta, R.L., and W.J. Ripple. 2012. The Role of Large Predators in Maintaining Riparian Plant
Communities and River Morphology. Geomorphology 157–158:88–98
Carroll, C., M. K. Phillips, C. A. Lopez-­­Gonzalez, and N.A. Schumaker. 2006. Defining Recovery
Goals and Strategies for Endangered Species: The Wolf as a Case Study. BioScience 56:25-37.
Ripple, W.J. R.L Beschta. 2003. Wolf Reintroduction, Predation Risk, and Cottonwood Recovery in
Yellowstone National Park. Forest Ecology and Management 184:299-313.
Ripple, William J, and Robert L. Beschta. 2004. Wolves, Elk, Willows and Trophic Cascades in the Upper
Gallatin Range of Southwestern Montana, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 200: 161-181.
Ripple, William J, and Robert L. Beschta. 2012. Trophic Cascades in Yellowstone: The First 15 years After
Wolf Reintroduction. Biological Conservation 145:205-213.
Ripple, W.J., A.J. Wirsing, C.C. Wilmers, and M. Letnic. 2013. Widespread Mesopredatorv Effect after
Wolf Extirpation. Biological Conservation 160: 70–79.
Soulé, Michael E., James A. Estes, Brian Miller, and Douglas L. Honnold. 2005. Strongly Interactive Species:
Conservation, Policy, Management, and Ethics. BioScience 55(2):168-176.
Soulé, Michael. 2010. Conservation Relevance of Ecological Cascades. Pages 337-351. IN Terbough, John
and James A. Estes. 2010. Trophic Cascades: Predators, Prey and Changing Dynamics of Nature.
Washington, DC: Island Press. 464 pages.
Terborgh, J. J.A. Estes, P.C. Paquet, K. Ralls, D. Boyd-Herger, B. Miller, and R. Noss. 1999. Role of Top
Carnivores in Regulating Terrestrial Ecosystems. Pages 39-64 in Soule M.E. and J. Terborgh, eds.
Continental Conservation: Design and Management Principles for Long-Term, Regional Conservation
Networks. Washington, DC: Island Press.
30
Describe how the species could be
considered an "ambassador" or “flagship”
species to enlist public support for
conservation.
Judge’s Score for Importance of Species
0
The Mexican wolf is one the American Southwest’s most effective flagship species
(see http://mexicanwolves.org/).
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies
Judge’s Final Score
Please submit to top10@endangered.org, and thank you for participating in the 2015 Top 10 Report.
Please cite any substantiating scientific studies