I have just been doing a bit of research on Wolves in the Hele forest area of New Mexico. I did not know that this species was reintroduced here around 1997 and is a different one to that found in Yellowstone and further North.
The Mexican Wolf Canis lupus baileyi is listed as a critically endangered species and it is thought there may be around 50 wild wolves in the Hele region alone with others in the Apache National forest. These were reintroduced around 1998 and much controversy still exists about their release. Info can be found on the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance site here. Also there is a great video about wolves in New Mexico.
There is also an excellent piece written on the possible reintroduction of the grizzly bear to New Mexico. I briefly mentioned a similar topic about De listing grizzly bears in the lower 48. I am unaware of the outcome of this....maybe someone could enlighten me?
Why should we have wild wolves and possibly grizzlies in our wild areas?
Experts have concluded that in order to preserve healthy populations of any large predator a balanced ecosystem is required. To achieve and maintain this, the land should be protected and preserved. Why is this important?
Recent reports now say that possibly 75% of the planets land mass has been altered by man in some way with a large proportion beyond repair or re-wilding. Although large areas of wilderness still exist, many areas are not protected and may be exploited in the near future. For example by drilling for oil. We need to ask ourselves some tough questions now.
What do we want to leave future generations? Wild untamed wilderness areas rich in a natural flora and fauna or a man manipulated landscape. Are short term profits for multinational companies more important than preserving our planet for future generations?
