Lawsuit Challenges ‘Nonessential’ Designation of Last Wild Red Wolf Population

Raleigh, N.C. – Lawsuit Filed to Protect Endangered Red Wolves

The Center for Biological Diversity Challenges Classification of Red Wolves

The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to classify the world’s last wild population of red wolves as ‘nonessential’. The red wolf is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and is one of the most imperiled species globally. With only 13 known wild red wolves remaining in eastern North Carolina, their protection is crucial for their survival.

Importance of Red Wolves in Southeastern Ecosystems

Perrin de Jong, Southeast staff attorney at the Center, stated, “It’s absurd for the Fish and Wildlife Service to conclude that the world’s last wild population of red wolves isn’t essential. It’s time for the agency to acknowledge that this persecuted population of endangered wolves is an irreplaceable part of Southeastern ecosystems. These severely imperiled animals deserve the highest level of protection.”

Lawsuit Challenges Endangered Species Act Classification

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, argues that the Endangered Species Act defines an experimental population as ‘essential’ if the loss of the population would significantly reduce the likelihood of the species’ survival in the wild. As the red wolf experimental population is the only remaining wild population, its loss would lead to the extinction of the species in the wild. Therefore, the law compels the Service to designate the population as ‘essential’ and provide greater protections to the red wolves.

History of Red Wolves and Current Threats

Red wolves once inhabited the American Southeast, ranging from Texas to Florida and as far north as New York. However, due to relentless hunting and persecution, their population dwindled until only a handful remained.

In 1986, the Service established an experimental population of red wolves in North Carolina’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and classified it as ‘nonessential’. In 1995, the agency revised the management rule for this population, allowing private landowners to kill red wolves.

Efforts to Reclassify and Protect Red Wolves

In 2016, the Center and its allies petitioned the Service to reclassify the population as ‘essential’ and eliminate allowances for private landowners to kill non-offending wolves. However, in January 2023, the Service denied the Center’s petition. Today’s lawsuit challenges that decision and aims to remove the agency’s rules allowing private landowners to needlessly shoot red wolves.

Call for Greater Protection and Conservation Measures

Perrin de Jong emphasized, “The agency must follow the letter and spirit of the Endangered Species Act and start treating red wolves with the utmost level of care.”

In a recent development, the Service released a final red wolf recovery plan that calls for important conservation measures. These measures include the establishment of new wolf populations and a reduction in human-caused wolf deaths.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the classification of red wolves as ‘nonessential’ by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, highlighting their endangered status and the need for their protection. This issue is directly related to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

The article emphasizes the endangered status of red wolves and the need for their protection. This aligns with Target 15.5, which focuses on taking action to prevent the extinction of threatened species and protect biodiversity.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

The article mentions that red wolves are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and highlights their status as one of the most imperiled species in the world. The Red List Index is a widely used indicator that measures changes in the overall extinction risk of species over time. It can be used to assess progress towards Target 15.5 by tracking the status of threatened species like red wolves.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: biologicaldiversity.org

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