Thursday, August 3, 2017

ODFW moves to lethal take for Harl Butte wolves to limit further livestock losses

August 3, 2017


Department denies request for complete removal of pack; takes incremental approach to disrupt pack behavior 

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW wildlife managers intend to remove some of the adult wolves in northeast Oregon’s Harl Butte pack to limit further livestock losses as non-lethal measures and hazing have not been successful in limiting wolf depredations.

On July 28, ODFW received a lethal removal request from several affected livestock producers from a local grazing association after two depredations were confirmed in a five-day period. They asked that the entire Harl Butte pack be removed due to chronic livestock depredation. ODFW has decided to deny the request and will take an incremental approach instead, removing two members of the pack and then evaluating the situation. “In this chronic situation, lethal control measures are warranted,” said Roblyn Brown, ODFW Acting Wolf Coordinator. “We will use incremental removal to give the remaining wolves the opportunity to change their behavior or move out of the area.”

 source


Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Wolf OR42 found dead in northeast Oregon

May 23, 2017


In early May, ODFW recovered a dead wolf in Wallowa County. The wolf was OR42 and was believed to be the breeding female of the Chesnimnus Pack. A preliminary forensic examination did not identify a cause of death and no foul play is suspected at this time. However, it is still under investigation and additional laboratory tests are being conducted. Two collared subadult wolves remain within the pack and ODFW continues to monitor the situation.

via ODFW

Friday, April 28, 2017

AZGFD considers potential impacts of appellate court ruling on Mexican wolf

April 28, 2017
Arizona Game and Fish Department


 
 
AZGFD considers potential impacts of appellate court ruling on Mexican wolf
 

 
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is assessing potential impacts to Arizona’s endangered and threatened wildlife recovery program, following a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that lifts a preliminary injunction on releasing Mexican wolves  in New Mexico.

The court decision issued Tuesday held that the State of New Mexico had not met the legal standard for a preliminary injunction because it did not demonstrate that releasing Mexican wolves without state permits will cause irreparable injury to the state. The ruling reverses a U.S. District Court decision last summer that prohibited the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from importing or releasing any Mexican wolves in New Mexico without first obtaining permits from the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department are evaluating the potential ramifications of the Appellate Court’s decision for Arizona’s wolf recovery program,” said Jim deVos, AZGFD assistant director for Wildlife Management. “Our agency remains committed to working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and our other partners to ensure Arizona has a voice in providing direction for the program, based on sound science and boots-on-the-ground research.”

The case now returns to U.S. District Court for a decision on whether New Mexico can require the USFWS to obtain state permits before releasing wolves.

There were a minimum of 113 wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico in 2016, according to a recent survey by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team. The survey found that there were 63 wolves in Arizona and 50 in New Mexico.

In 2015, there were an estimated 97 wolves were counted in the wild between both states.
 


Friday, April 21, 2017

Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project Monthly Update - March 1-31, 2017


 
 
MEXICAN WOLF UPDATE
 
 
 
March 1-31, 2017
Arizona Game and Fish Department
 
 
Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project
Monthly Update - March 1-31, 2017
 
 
The following is a summary of Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project (Project) activities in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona, including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and New Mexico. Additional Project information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at (888) 459-9653, or by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at www.azgfd.gov/wolf or by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf. Past updates may be viewed on either website, or interested parties may sign up to receive this update electronically.

This update is a public document and information in it can be used for any purpose. The Project is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS WS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT).

To view semi-monthly wolf telemetry flight location information please visit http://bit.do/mexicanwolf or www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/RWL.cfm

Please report any wolf sightings or suspected livestock depredations to:  the Alpine wolf office (928) 339-4329, Pinetop wolf office (928-532-2391) or toll free at (888) 459-9653. To report incidents of take or harassment of wolves, please call the AGFD 24-hour dispatch (Operation Game Thief) at (800) 352-0700.

Overall Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Monthly Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted the 2017 Mexican Wolf Initial Release and Translocation Plan (Plan) on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Website and requested comments for 20 days. The USFWS provided all comments received in applications to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for importation and release permits consistent with the Plan. 

The USFWS hosted the Canid and Hyaneid Taxon Advisory Group meeting in Albuquerque March 27 and 28, 2017. This meeting was part of the larger Association of Zoos and Aquarium's mid-year meeting hosted by the Albuquerque Biological Park. 

The Division of Genomic Resources (DGR) of the Museum of Southwestern Biology at the University of New Mexico serves as the repository for Mexican wolf specimens including carcasses, pelts, and blood. On March 30, 2017, DGR celebrated migrating from maintaining specimens in -80oC freezers to new, more secure cryogenic nitrogen-vapor (-190oC).  

Numbering System:  Mexican wolves are given an identification number recorded in an official studbook that tracks their history. Capital letters (M = Male, F = Female) preceding the number indicate adult animals 24 months or older. Lower case letters (m = male, f = female) indicate wolves younger than 24 months or pups. The capital letter “A” preceding the letter and number indicate breeding wolves.

Definitions:  A “wolf pack” is defined as two or more wolves that maintain an established territory. In the event that one of the two alpha (dominant) wolves dies, the remaining alpha wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack status. The packs referenced in this update contain at least one wolf with a radio telemetry collar attached to it. Studbook numbers listed in the monthly update denote wolves with functioning radio collars. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) recognizes that wolves without radio telemetry collars may also form packs. If the IFT confirms that wolves are associating with each other and are resident within the same home range, they will be referenced as a pack. 

CURRENT POPULATION STATUS

The IFT completed the annual year-end population survey which started in November 2016 and concluded with helicopter count and capture operations conducted in late January through early February 2017. The IFT documented a minimum of 113 Mexican wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico at the end of 2016. At the end of March, there were 61 wolves with functioning radio collars that the IFT was actively monitoring. Wolves with functioning radio collars are listed by studbook number in the pack updates below.

Annual surveys are conducted in the winter as this is when the population experiences the least amount of natural fluctuation (i.e. in the spring the population increases dramatically with the birth of new pups and declines throughout the summer and fall as mortality is particularly high on young pups). Thus, the IFT summarizes the total number of wolves in the winter at a fairly static or consistent time of year. This allows for comparable year-to-year trends at a time of year that accounts for most mortality and survival of young pups.
  
IN ARIZONA:

Bear Wallow Pack (collared AM1338 and AF1335)
In March, the Bear Wallow Pack was located within their traditional territory in the east central portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (ASNF). 

Bluestem Pack (collared M1382, F1488, fp1562, fp1563 and mp1574)
In March, the Bluestem Pack continued to use their traditional territory in the east central portion of the ASNF. F1488 continued to travel separate from the Bluestem Pack with another wolf near Alpine. During March, M1382 continued to be documented traveling with AF1339 of the Panther Creek Pack. Genetic analysis from the male pup initially thought to be Panther Creek mp148X revealed that it was a Bluestem pup and has been assigned the studbook number mp1574. 

Elk Horn Pack (collared AF1294, mp1471, mp1474 and fp1473) 
In March, the Elk Horn Pack was located within their traditional territory in the north eastern portion of the ASNF. The female pup assigned the temporary studbook number, fp147X, was identified as fp1473 through genetic analysis. This confirmed that the wolf was a wild born of the Elk Horn Pack and not a cross-fostered pup from 2016. 

Frieborn Pack (collared F1443 and m1447)
In March, F1443 and m1447 received pack status and were named the Frieborn Pack. They have been holding a territory in the east central portion of the ASNF in Arizona and into New Mexico. 

Hawks Nest Pack (collared AM1038) 
The Hawks Nest Pack consists of one collared wolf, AM1038.  AM1038 previously made wide dispersal movements within the north central portion of the ASNF, but during March was consistently located in the northern portion of the ASNF in the territory of the Diamond Pack. By the end of March, AM1038 was documented traveling primarily with f1557 of the Diamond Pack.
   
Hoodoo Pack (collared AM1290, AF1333, m1441, fp1550 and f1567)
In March, the Hoodoo Pack was located within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the ASNF. Sub-adult wolves m1441 and f1567 continued to travel together and apart from the Hoodoo Pack. The IFT concluded the prey carcass investigations that began in February looking at the kill rates of both the Hoodoo Pack and the new pair: m1441 and f1567. In March, fp1549 was located dead in Arizona. The incident is under investigation.

Maverick Pack (collared AF1291)
In March, the Maverick Pack was located within their traditional territory both on the FAIR and east central portion of the ASNF. 

Panther Creek Pack (collared AF1339, mp1483, fp1484 and mp1486)
In March, the Panther Creek Pack was located in the east central portion of the ASNF. Bluestem M1382 continued to be located traveling with AF1339. Pups mp1483, fp1484, and mp1486 have been traveling separately from the rest of the pack. Male pup 1486 has been documented traveling in the Gila National Forest (GNF) in New Mexico. Male pup 1483 was documented traveling between Arizona and New Mexico. The male pup assigned the temporary studbook number, mp148X, was identified through genetic analysis as a Bluestem animal, and has been given a new studbook number of mp1574.

ON THE FAIR: 

Diamond Pack (collared f1557, mp1559, fp1560, fp1570, mp1571 and mp1572)
In March, the Diamond Pack was located in the northern portion of the ASNF and on state lands north of the ASNF. Near the beginning of the month, mp1572 was located lame and removed for veterinary care. Male pup 1572 has tested negative for diseases and has been transferred to the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico where it continues to receive rehabilitative care. Near the end of March, AM1038 of the Hawks Nest Pack and f1557 were documented traveling together and apart from the Diamond Pack.

Tsay-O-Ah Pack (collared AM1343 and AF1283)
In March, the Tsay-o-Ah Pack was located within their traditional territory on the FAIR.

Baldy Pack (collared M1347 and f1445)
The Baldy Pack was not located during the month of March.

IN NEW MEXICO:

Iron Creek Pack (collared AM1240, AF1278 and mp1556)
During March, the Iron Creek Pack continued to utilize their territory in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness and the southern portion of the Gila National Forest (GNF). 

Lava Pack (collared F1405 and AM1285)
During March, the Lava Pack was located within their traditional territory in the south eastern portion of the GNF.

Leopold Pack (collared AM1293, AF1346 and mp1561)
During March, the IFT documented the Leopold Pack within their territory in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness.  

Luna Pack (collared AM1158 and AF1487)
During March, the Luna Pack remained in their traditional territory in the north central portion of the Gila National Forest. The IFT set up a diversionary food cache to reduce potential for livestock depredations.

Mangas Pack (collared M1296 and F1439)
During March, the Mangas Pack was located within their territory in the north western portion of the GNF.

New Pair (collared F1444 and M1386)
During March, F1444 and M1386 were documented traveling together within the west central portions of the GNF.  

New Pair (collared F1456 and M1354)
During March, F1456 and M1354 were documented traveling together within the west central portions of the GNF.

Prieto Pack (collared AF1251, M1398 and fp1565)
During March, the Prieto Pack was located within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.  M1386, m1455, f1456, M1552, and mp1569 have all displayed dispersal behavior for 3 months and are now considered single wolves or part of a “new pair”.  

San Mateo Pack (collared AF1399)
During March, the San Mateo Pack continued to utilize their territory in the north central portion of the GNF. 

Sheepherders Baseball Park (SBP) Pack (collared AM1284 and f1553)
During March, the SBP Pack continued to use their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.
   
Willow Springs Pack (collared F1397)
During March, the IFT documented the Willow Springs Pack within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.   

Single collared AM1155
During March, AM1155 was documented traveling within New Mexico.  

Single collared m1455
During March, m1455 traveled throughout east-central portions of the GNF and southern portions of the Cibola National Forest (CNF).

Single collared M1552
During March, M1552 traveled throughout northeastern portions of the GNF and central portions of the CNF.

Single collared mp1569
During March, mp1569 traveled throughout northern and central portions of the CNF and other areas west of I-25.

MORTALITIES

During March, fp1549 of the Hoodoo Pack was located dead in Arizona. The incident is under investigation.

During March, mp1573 of the Bluestem Pack was captured by the IFT for medical evaluation and attention. It died overnight under veterinary care. Disease testing confirmed mp1573 tested positive for canine distemper.

INCIDENTS 

During the month of March, there were six confirmed wolf depredations on livestock and no nuisance reports.

On March 6, Wildlife Services investigated a dead calf in Catron County, NM. The investigation determined the calf was a confirmed wolf kill.

On March 18, Wildlife Services investigated a dead calf in Catron County, NM. The investigation determined the calf was a confirmed wolf kill.

On March 21, Wildlife Services investigated a dead calf in Catron County, NM. The investigation determined the calf was a confirmed wolf kill.

On March 21, Wildlife Services investigated a dead cow in Catron County, NM. The investigation determined the cow was killed by coyotes.

On March 21, Wildlife Services investigated a dead cow in Socorro County, NM. The investigation determined the cow was a confirmed wolf kill.

On March 24, Wildlife Services investigated a dead cow in Socorro County, NM. The investigation determined the cow had died from natural causes.

On March 24, Wildlife Services investigated a dead calf in Apache County, AZ. The investigation determined the calf had been killed by dogs.

On March 25, Wildlife Services investigated seven dead cows in Cochise County, AZ. The investigations determined one cow was a confirmed wolf kill, four cows died from natural causes and one cow died from an unknown cause. One of the seven dead cows was unable to be investigated due to its deteriorated condition.

On March 26, female pup 1530, originating from an ongoing reintroduction effort in Mexico, was captured on private ranch land in southeastern Arizona by the IFT and relocated to the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility in New Mexico, where it is in good health. Management agencies in the United States and Mexico will determine the most appropriate long-term management action for this wolf.

On March 27, Wildlife Services investigated a dead cow in Cochise County, AZ. The investigation determined the cow died from unknown cause.

On March 28, Wildlife Services investigated a dead cow in Catron County, NM. The investigation determined the cow was a confirmed wolf kill.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION

On March 14, the USFWS met with the Santa Clara Pueblo to discuss the status of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program and development of the revised draft recovery plan.

On March 29, the USFWS provided a presentation on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program to the Inter-tribal, Fish and Wildlife Service Coordination meeting at Ak-Chin.

PROJECT PERSONNEL

There are no project personnel updates for the month of March.

REWARDS OFFERED

The USFWS is offering a reward of up to $10,000; the AGFD Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000; and the NMDGF is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting deaths of Mexican wolves. A variety of non-governmental organizations and private individuals have pledged an additional $46,000 for a total reward amount of up to $58,000, depending on the information provided.

Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: USFWS special agents in Mesa, Arizona, at (480) 967-7900, in Alpine, Arizona, at (928) 339-4232, or in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at (505) 346-7828; the WMAT at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; AGFD Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700; or NMDGF Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, and/or not more than one year in jail, and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
 

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

ODFW releases its 2016 Annual Wolf Report and Draft of Revised Wolf Management Plan Today

April 11, 2017

ODFW releases its 2016 Wolf Annual Report and a Draft Revised Wolf Management Plan today.
These documents will be presented at the upcoming Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on April 21 in Klamath Falls. The draft Plan will also be presented at a second Commission meeting on May 19 in at the Embassy Suites Portland Airport. Public comment is welcome at both meetings.

The presentation of the updated draft Plan during the April and May meetings is considered informational only; the Draft Plan will not be considered for adoption at these meetings. A date for final consideration and adoption of the Plan has not yet been set.
Comments on the Draft Plan may be provided to odfw.commission@state.or.us or in-person at the meetings.

 source

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Reward Increased to $10,000 for Information on Illegal Killing of Endangered Red Wolf

Center for Biological Diversity
For Immediate Release, December 30, 2016

Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org

Reward Increased to $10,000 for Information on Illegal Killing of Endangered Red Wolf
One of Only 45 Red Wolves Remaining Found Dead on North Carolina Refuge
RALEIGH, N.C.— The Center for Biological Diversity today added $7,500 to the reward for information leading to a conviction or fine in the latest illegal killing of an endangered red wolf in North Carolina. The dead wolf was discovered Dec. 21 on the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, where red wolves are given the greatest amount of protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has already offered a $2,500 reward in the case.

“There are only 45 red wolves left in the wild so the deliberate killing of any individual wolf is a terrible blow to the conservation of this amazing species,” said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center. “This deplorable slaughter is a stark reminder of why federal regulators must quickly rejuvenate their stalled efforts to save this precious species before it disappears forever.”

Although once abundant along the entire coastal plain of the Southeast, red wolves were pushed to the brink of extinction after decades of relentless persecution. After the species was declared endangered in 1973, 17 wild red wolves were captured for captive breeding. Wolf releases began in North Carolina’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in the mid 1980s, but recovery efforts have repeatedly been thwarted by illegal shootings.

“We’re adding to this reward because red wolves are a critical part of America’s heritage, and we shouldn’t let a few killers deny future generations their opportunity to see these animals in the wild,” said Hartl.

The best available science demonstrates that red wolves can be recovered if these illegal killings end. A 2014 report by the Wildlife Management Institute concluded that if red wolves are going to recover, two additional populations need to be established in the wild, and additional resources need to be invested to build local support for their recovery. The Center for Biological Diversity submitted an emergency petition in May 2016 to strengthen rules protecting red wolves from illegal shootings and to identify additional reintroduction sites where red wolves can thrive.

Anyone with information about the killing should contact North Carolina Wildlife Officer Frank Simms at (252) 216-7504 or Special Agent Jason Keith at (919) 856-4520, ext. 34.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.



Sunday, December 18, 2016

Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project Monthly Update - November 1-30, 2016


 
 
 
MEXICAN WOLF UPDATE
 
 
 
November 1-30, 2016
Arizona Game and Fish Department
 
 
Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project
Monthly Update - November 1-30, 2016

The following is a summary of Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project (Project)
activities in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona, including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and New Mexico.  Additional Project information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at (888) 459-9653, or by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at
www.azgfd.gov/wolf
 
or by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf
 
.

Past updates may be viewed on either website, or interested parties may sign up
 
to receive this update electronically.

This update is a public document and information in it can be used for any purpose.  The Project is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS WS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USFWS) and the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT).

To view semi-monthly wolf telemetry flight location information please visit http://bit.do/mexicanwolf
 
or www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/RWL.cfm
 
.

Please report any wolf sightings or suspected livestock depredations to: (928) 339-4329 or toll free at (888) 459-9653. To report incidents of take or harassment of wolves, please call the AGFD 24-hour dispatch (Operation Game Thief) at (800) 352-0700.
 

Overall Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Monthly Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service convened the 5th Mexican wolf recovery planning workshop November 2-4 in Tucson, AZ.  Represented at the workshop were the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, the Mexican governmental agencies SEMARNAT and CONANP, the USDA Forest Service and independent scientists from the United States and Mexico.  The workshop participants continued with review of scientific information for analyzing areas of suitable habitat and input variables for the VORTEX model.

The Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service met on November 16 to discuss coordination of Mexican wolf recovery efforts, including outreach and NEPA analysis of proposed release sites in Zone 1 of the revised Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area.

In the month of November, The Fish and Wildlife Service sent letters inviting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service (NPS) to become partners in the Mexican wolf recovery program.  Both agencies have land management responsibilities within the boundaries of the revised Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area.

On November 30, the Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as members of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico State Game Commission, biologists from CONANP and the University of Queretaro, Mexico, biologists from the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) and several volunteers captured a family of 11 wolves at the TESF Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility.  The wolves were collared, crated, and transported to Chihuahua, Mexico for release into the wild.
 
Numbering System:  Mexican wolves are given an identification number recorded in an official studbook that tracks their history.  Capital letters (M = Male, F = Female) preceding the number indicate adult animals 24 months or older. Lower case letters (m = male, f = female) indicate wolves younger than 24 months or pups. The capital letter “A” preceding the letter and number indicate breeding wolves.

Definitions: A “wolf pack” is defined as two or more wolves that maintain an
established territory.  In the event that one of the two alpha (dominant) wolves dies, the remaining alpha wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack status. The packs referenced in this update contain at least one wolf with a radio telemetry collar attached to it. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) recognizes that wolves without radio telemetry collars may also form packs. If the IFT confirms that wolves are associating with each other and are resident within the same home range, they will be referenced as a pack.
 

CURRENT POPULATION STATUS

Population monitoring requires year round effort documenting births, deaths, survival, total numbers, and distribution.  Mortality occurs throughout the year and is particularly high on young pups, so while the IFT has documented reproduction this year, the IFT will not have a complete idea of how many of these young pups and adults have died until the annual population survey which is conducted in the winter.  Annual surveys are conducted in the winter because it is when the population is experiencing the least amount of natural fluctuation (i.e. in the spring the population increases dramatically with the birth of new pups and declines throughout the summer and fall as mortality is particularly high on young pups).  Thus, the IFT summarizes the total number of wolves in the winter at a fairly static or consistent time of year.  This allows for comparable year-to-year trends at a time of year that accounts for most mortality and survival of young pups.  At this time, the IFT’s best population estimate is that there was a minimum of 97 wolves in the wild as of December 31, 2015.  End of year counts for 2016 are currently ongoing and will be completed in February.  At the end of November, there were 54 wolves with functioning radio collars that the IFT was actively monitoring. 

IN ARIZONA:
Bear Wallow Pack (collared AM1338 and AF1335)
In November, the Bear Wallow Pack was located within their traditional territory in the east central portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (ASNF).

Bluestem Pack (collared M1382, F1443, fp1562 and fp1563)
In November, the Bluestem Pack continued to use their traditional territory in the east central portion of the ASNF.  They periodically used a diversionary food cache established by the IFT to prevent potential depredation issues in the area.  Two female pups (fp1562 and fp1563) were captured, collared and released in early November.  Some wolves from the Bluestem Pack displayed dispersal behavior during the month.  AF1042 was documented in New Mexico traveling in the vicinity of the Sheepherders Baseball Park Pack.  F1433 was documented traveling with m1447, of the Diamond Pack, in New Mexico near the Arizona border.

Elk Horn Pack (collared AF1294, AM1342, mp1474 and mp1471)
In November, the Elk Horn Pack was located within their traditional territory in the north eastern portion of the ASNF. The IFT documented rendezvous behavior by this pack during the month of November.  A minimum of two uncollared pups were documented traveling with the Elk Horn pack this month.

Hawks Nest Pack (collared AM1038)
In November, the Hawks Nest Pack was mostly located within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the ASNF. The IFT documented dispersal movements by AM1038.  
   
Hoodoo Pack (collared AM1290, AF1333, m1441, fp1549, and fp1550)
In November, the Hoodoo Pack remained in the north central portion of the ASNF.  The IFT documented rendezvous behavior by the Hoodoo Pack this month.  A minimum of three uncollared pups were documented traveling with the Hoodoo Pack this month.
                      
Maverick Pack (collared AF1291)
In November, the Maverick Pack was located within their traditional territory both on the FAIR and ASNF. 

Panther Creek Pack (collared AF1339, AM1394, mp1483, fp1484, and mp1486)
In November, the Panther Creek Pack was located in the east central portion of the ASNF.  The Panther Creek Pack continued to show rendezvousing behavior during the month of November.  A female pup, fp1485, was located dead in November and the incident is under investigation.

ON THE FAIR:
Diamond Pack (collared m1447, f1557, mp1558, mp1559 and fp1560)
In November, the Diamond Pack was located within their traditional territory in the eastern portion of the FAIR and the northern portion of the ASNF. 
 
Tsay-O-Ah Pack (collared AM1343 and AF1283)
In November, the Tsay-o-Ah Pack was located within their traditional territory in the eastern portion of the FAIR.
 
Baldy Pack (collared M1347 and f1445)
In November, the Baldy Pack was located in the eastern portion of the FAIR and northern portion of the ASNF.

IN NEW MEXICO:
Dark Canyon Pack (collared AM992 and f1444)
During November, the IFT located this pack within its traditional territory in the west central portion of the Gila National Forest (GNF). 

Iron Creek Pack (collared AM1240, AF1278 and mp1556)
During November, the Iron Creek Pack continued to utilize their territory in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness and the southern portion of the GNF.  

Lava Pack (collared F1405)
During November, the IFT documented F1405 (formerly of the Buckalou Pack) traveling with M1285 of the Lava Pack.  The IFT trapped and re-collared F1405 and this pack is traveling in the south eastern portion of the GNF.

Luna Pack (collared AF1487 and mp1554)
During November, the Luna Pack remained in their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.  

Mangas Pack (collared M1296 and F1439)
During November, the Mangas Pack was located within their territory in north western portions of the GNF in New Mexico. 

Prieto Pack (collared M1386, m1455, f1456, M1552, f1553 and fp1565)
During November, the Prieto Pack was located within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.  There has been dispersal behavior documented for M1386, m1455, f1456 and M1552 within the GNF.  Sub-adult, f1553, continues to be documented apart from the Prieto Pack and traveling with single male wolf M1398 in the west central portion of the GNF.

San Mateo Pack (collared AF1399)
During November, the IFT documented the San Mateo Pack within their territory in the north central portion of the GNF.   

Sheepherders Baseball Park (SBP) Pack (collared AM1284)
During November, the SBP Pack continued to use their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF.  AM1284 was captured, re-collared and released.  The IFT has documented the survival of pups with the SBP Pack.
    
Willow Springs Pack (collared F1397)
During November, the IFT documented the Willow Springs Pack within their traditional territory in the north central portion of the GNF. 

Leopold Pack (collared AM1293 and mp1561)
During November, the IFT documented that AM1293 had formed a pack and had pups.  One of these male pups, mp1561, was captured, collared and released in November by the IFT.  This is the first documented wolf pack that has formed naturally within the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. 

Single collared AM1155
During November, AM1155 was documented traveling within New Mexico.

Single collared M1398
During November, M1398 was documented traveling with f1553 of the Prieto Pack in the west central portion of the GNF.

MORTALITIES

During November, a female pup, fp1485, of the Panther Creek Pack was located dead in Arizona.  The incident is under investigation.

INCIDENTS

On November 28, Wildlife Services investigated a dead calf in Apache County, Arizona.  The investigation determined the calf was killed by coyotes. 

On November 7, an uncollared sub-adult male wolf, M1564, was captured and removed to captivity due to previous depredations associated with a removal order.  Genetic analysis confirmed M1564 dispersed from the Hawk’s Nest Pack.  The removal of M1564 completed the removal order, and the FWS will evaluate the potential for this wolf to contribute to recovery in the future.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION

On November 3, WMAT presented to a school group in Whiteriver, Arizona.
 
On November 14 and 15, the WMAT Mexican Wolf Program and the WMAT Rangeland Management Program met with the WMAT Tribal Cattle Associations regarding the Tribal Payment for Wolf presence application and funding for wolf/livestock mitigation measures.

PROJECT PERSONNEL

There are no personnel updates for the month of November.
 

REWARDS OFFERED

The USFWS is offering a reward of up to $10,000; the AGFD Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000; and the NMDGF is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting deaths of Mexican wolves. A variety of non-governmental organizations and private individuals have pledged an additional $46,000 for a total reward amount of up to $58,000, depending on the information provided.

Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: USFWS special agents in Mesa, Arizona, at (480) 967-7900, in Alpine, Arizona, at (928) 339-4232, or in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at (505) 346-7828; the WMAT at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; AGFD Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700; or NMDGF Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, and/or not more than one year in jail, and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
 
 
 
 

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Petition Filed With U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Updated Recovery Plan for Red Wolf

Center for Biological Diversity


For Immediate Release, December 8, 2016
Contacts:  Amey Owen, Animal Welfare Institute, (202) 446-2128, amey@awionline.org
Collette Adkins, Center for Biological Diversity, (651) 955-3821, cadkins@biologicaldiversity.org
Haley McKey, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org
Petition Filed With U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Updated Recovery Plan for Red Wolf
With Only 45 Remaining in North Carolina, New Plan Would Save Wild Population

WASHINGTON— Seven animal protection and conservation organizations filed a petition today with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking an updated recovery plan for the rapidly dwindling population of wild red wolves. The recovery plan for the red wolf has not been updated since 1990. Since that time red wolves have expanded their range in the wild, faced additional threats from increased poaching and hybridization with coyotes and seen changes in their management. With all of these changes, an updated, science-based recovery plan is needed now more than ever.

Red wolf
Red wolf photo by B. Bartel, USFWS. Photos are available for media use.
“Experts in red wolf ecology, genetics and biology have published significant scientific research since the plan was created over a quarter-century ago,” said Tara Zuardo, an AWI wildlife attorney. “An amended recovery plan based on the best available science is vital to ensure that red wolves survive in the wild.”

The petition includes information about threats to the red wolf and provides strategies to address those threats, including reducing lethal and nonlethal removal of wolves from the wild; resuming the use of the “placeholder program,” which involved releasing sterilized coyotes to hold territories until red wolves can replace them; resuming the use of the cross-pup fostering program as a way to increase the genetic diversity of the species; identification of additional reintroduction sites; and increasing outreach and education to garner support for wolves and stop poaching.

“The red wolf is teetering on the brink of extinction, but it can be saved by putting in place an aggressive recovery plan,” said Collette Adkins, a biologist and senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “A new recovery plan would serve as a road map, outlining all the necessary steps to ensure that future generations have a chance to see these beautiful wolves in the wild.”

In September the Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to confine red wolf recovery to just federal lands in Dare County, while also identifying new sites for wolf introductions and doubling the number of captive-breeding pairs. The agency’s controversial proposal to restrict the recovery area in North Carolina has been met with stark criticism. Last week 30 prominent experts in wolf conservation sent a letter expressing their concerns. And on Wednesday Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and eight key Democratic leaders sent a letter urging Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to revive the red wolf recovery program.

“This petition represents our proactive vision for red wolf recovery,” said Ben Prater, Southeast program director for Defenders of Wildlife. “The red wolf is a part of our national wildlife heritage, just like the bald eagle or grizzly bear. We’re calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to honor that legacy and bring the red wolf back from the brink of extinction. Conservation advocates nationwide agree we have the ability and the obligation to recover this iconic species.”

Petitioners request a prompt response to their petition confirming that the Service has begun work on an updated plan for the red wolf, a timeline for completing the recovery planning process, and implementation of recovery strategies necessary for the species.

The petitioners include the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Endangered Species Coalition, South Florida Wildlands Association, WildEarth Guardians and the Wolf Conservation Center.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places: www.biologicaldiversity.org

The Animal Welfare Institute (awionline.org) is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people.  AWI engages policymakers, scientists, industry, and the public to achieve better treatment of animals everywhere — in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org. For the latest news from Defenders, follow us at @DefendersNews.