Likely that imperiled lobos have lost another member of the pack

NEW MEXICO (September 26, 2013) – It appears that tragedy has struck America’s imperiled population of Mexican gray wolves once again. Just two months after alpha female 1108 was shot and killed, and another female died during “routine management” in August, Defenders of Wildlife has learned that what is believed to be a Mexican gray wolf was found dead in New Mexico. Law enforcement is investigating what is likely to be determined an illegal killing.

The following is a statement from Eva Sargent, Director of Southwest Programs for Defenders of Wildlife:

“It’s possible that we have witnessed yet another tragedy in the ongoing struggle to recover the lobo of the Southwest. The critically endangered population of Mexican gray wolves teeters on the brink of extinction and the loss of even one individual is disastrous.

“If these wolves are going to have any kind of fighting chance at survival, the Fish and Wildlife Service must do everything in its power to ensure recovery beyond merely investigating this incident. It must complete and  implement a comprehensive recovery plan that includes the release of many more wolves into the wild, and that establishes the additional core populations lobos need to survive and thrive.  

“These wolves are iconic – a key part of the Southwestern landscape and our nation’s natural heritage. Hopefully, this troubling news will serve to remind wolf supporters just how important it is for them to attend the public hearing in Albuquerque next week in order to speak out on behalf of Mexican gray wolves.”

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Contact: Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife, 202-772-0253; csexton@defenders.org

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 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 and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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