Wolves have their week in NM
Last week Gov. Bill Richardson issued a proclamation which designated Oct. 15-19, 2007, as “Wolf Awareness Week” throughout the state. The proclamation is part of a nationwide effort to highlight the essential role of wolves in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
In New Mexico, the Mexican gray wolf had been all but eliminated from its native range by the 1970s. Its plight in the rest of its native range, which included portions of Arizona, Texas, and Mexico, also was grim. In 1976, the Mexican gray wolf was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), and a captive breeding and recovery program was established the following year.
The Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program is led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, with participation by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish and other state and federal partners. At the end of 2006, there were 59 Mexican wolves in the recovery area that spans portions of New Mexico and Arizona.