Trump Administration Allows New Mexico Ranchers to Kill Endangered Mexican Wolf – Center for Biological Diversity

Report on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permit Impacting Mexican Gray Wolves and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A recent document released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits ranchers in Catron County, New Mexico, to kill any endangered Mexican gray wolf found near two grazing allotments close to Quemado, New Mexico. The permit lacks specificity regarding which wolves may be killed and does not provide details on livestock losses that justify such actions.

Context and Background

• Several wolf families inhabit the area, including a genetically valuable female wolf named Nora from the Elk Horn pack.
• Nora was part of a conservation program and represents 21% of captive-born pups that have survived reintroduction efforts.
• The Mexican gray wolf subspecies was nearly eradicated due to historical government programs favoring livestock interests.
• Recovery efforts began after the Endangered Species Act of 1973, with reintroduction starting in 1998.

Concerns Raised by Conservation Advocates

1. Permitting Unrestricted Killing: The permit allows seven individuals, including a county commissioner, to kill any wolf on specified private and public lands without clear evidence of livestock predation.
2. Impact on Genetic Diversity: Killing wolves like Nora threatens the genetic health and future of the species.
3. Questionable Effectiveness: Peer-reviewed research indicates that lethal control does not reliably reduce livestock losses and may increase conflicts by destabilizing wolf pack structures.
4. Political Influence Over Science: Wildlife management decisions appear influenced by political pressures rather than scientific evidence.
5. Call for Nonlethal Conflict Reduction: Advocates emphasize the need for effective nonlethal tools and coexistence strategies to promote recovery.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 15: Life on Land
  • Protecting endangered species like the Mexican gray wolf supports biodiversity conservation.
  • Maintaining genetic diversity is critical for ecosystem resilience and species survival.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Encouraging sustainable livestock management practices can reduce conflicts with wildlife.
  • Promoting coexistence aligns with sustainable land use and resource management.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • Ensuring transparent and science-based wildlife management policies supports effective governance.
  • Addressing political pressures in environmental decision-making fosters accountability.

Recommendations

1. Implement enforceable nonlethal conflict prevention measures to protect both livestock and wolves.
2. Increase transparency and accountability in wildlife management decisions.
3. Prioritize scientific research to guide policies that balance ecological conservation with agricultural interests.
4. Engage stakeholders, including ranchers, conservationists, and government agencies, to develop coexistence strategies.
5. Strengthen efforts to conserve genetic diversity within endangered species populations.

Conclusion

The authorization for lethal control of Mexican gray wolves in Catron County raises significant concerns regarding species recovery, genetic diversity, and sustainable wildlife management. Aligning conservation efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15, SDG 12, and SDG 16, is essential to ensure the long-term survival of this imperiled subspecies while promoting responsible land use and governance. A shift towards nonlethal, science-based conflict resolution and transparent policymaking is critical to achieving these objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the conservation and recovery of the endangered Mexican gray wolf, directly relating to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The conflict between livestock grazing and wildlife conservation touches on sustainable land use and management practices.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses governance issues, including political influence on wildlife management decisions and the need for transparent accountability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species such as the Mexican gray wolf.
   • Target 15.7: End poaching and trafficking of protected species and address human-wildlife conflicts.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, including land used for livestock grazing.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels, relevant to wildlife management and conservation policies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 15 Targets
   • Population size and genetic diversity of the Mexican gray wolf (implied by references to genetic value and survival rates of released wolves).
   • Number of wolves killed under permits and impact on pack stability and recovery progress.
   • Incidence of livestock depredation by wolves and effectiveness of nonlethal conflict mitigation tools.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 12 Targets
   • Extent of grazing allotments and land use practices that affect wildlife habitats.
   • Implementation and effectiveness of nonlethal livestock protection methods.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 16 Targets
   • Transparency and accountability measures in issuing wildlife kill permits.
   • Stakeholder involvement and governance processes in wildlife management decisions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org