In 1976, the Mexican wolf was declared extinct in both Mexico and the United States due to systematic poisoning by ranchers in both countries.
With only five specimens located—including a female found in Mexico—today there are approximately 3,000 individuals thanks to joint efforts between the two nations.
In Durango, the release of two groups into the Sierra Madre Occidental is being considered, accompanied by a comprehensive program focused on environmental education, technology, and ecosystem restoration.
Last week, five wolves were also transferred to a sanctuary located within the zoo in the state capital.
Xóchitl Ramos Magaña, vice-coordinator in Mexico of the Mexican Wolf Saving Animals from Extinction program (Binational), stated that the project includes provisions for achieving safe and sustainable coexistence between humans and wolves, beginning with dispelling existing myths.
“All the people who work with wildlife populations visit communities, especially those near the release areas, so they understand and are kind to this coexistence. Furthermore, we have to take care of our wildlife. The Mexican wolf is part of us.”
He explained that each animal will be fitted with a satellite tracking collar to monitor its movements. Additionally, tools such as strobe lights and flags will be installed in the area to keep them away from communities and livestock, which will be insured for each wolf.
“It’s important to mention that all the wolves are released with a collar that emits a satellite signal. This allows the monitoring teams to know, minute by minute, where they are, where they are going, and what their home range is. It also helps identify areas where extra caution is needed. There are evasion techniques: if they are going to enter a ranch with scattered livestock, flags can be placed that, with the wind, generate movement, sound, and color, which scares them away.”
Ramos Magaña explained that the Mexican wolf plays a vital role in the ecosystem, a role that was disrupted by its extermination, and that efforts are now underway to restore that balance.
“We are losing our forests. It is important that these animals that inhabit them return.”
The interviewee stated that, before their release, the wolves are prepared in rehabilitation centers, since having grown up in zoos, they must readjust to the climatic conditions, the type of vegetation, and their hunting instincts. These instincts are strengthened through live prey, such as rabbits, to help them reconfigure their behavior as coordinated predators, even under a leadership structure.
Ramos confirmed that the specifics of the releases in Durango have not yet been defined. In Chihuahua, reintroductions have been carried out since 2013 with pairs and larger groups, and they are expected to resume this year.
He indicated that everything depends on the statistics generated by field biologists, in order to avoid overpopulation and ensure that packs or pairs have suitable conditions to survive in the wild.
Over generations, myths are created that are not always true. In the case of the Mexican wolf, raising awareness is a priority, he noted.
He recalled studies by researchers from the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) indicating that the extirpation of this canid caused an ecological imbalance, since it is not strictly carnivorous.
During the winter, when prey is scarce, it consumes berries and fruits that promote the regeneration of certain forest species.
In the absence of wolves, coyotes disperse plants with lower nutritional value in the soil.
“We believe that wolves are strict carnivores, but when prey is unavailable in winter, they eat berries and wild fruits. By dispersing these seeds, they contribute to the maintenance of forests and grasslands.”
The wolves delivered to the Durango Zoo are part of the genetic management program for the species. At the beginning of the program, the number of wolves was limited, so captivity was key.
From an initial seven wolves, the population grew to nearly 3,000, bred in zoos and later released when conditions allowed. The success lies in the genetic management, which has resulted in 85 percent diversity.
Source: amp.milenio
