“The committee’s review was incredibly thorough and considered all lines of evidence for and against the subspecies and species designations for Mexican gray wolves and red wolves,” says Sean Murphy, a researcher at the University of Kentucky whose research contributed to the study. ( Is the gray wolf still endangered? Depends who you ask.) The paper examined reams of research regarding the animals’ lineages, unique behaviors and anatomy, as well as their genetics. “The data that have accumulated have led us to a very clear conclusion,” says Joseph Travis, a biology professor at Florida State and lead author of the report. Others have contended that Mexican gray wolves are too similar to gray wolves. This matters because some, including landowners and local politicians, have argued that since red wolves have at times interbred with coyotes, they may not be unique enough to deserve protection. Federal law thus requires both to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. According to a report just published by the National Academy of Sciences, Mexican gray wolves are a unique subspecies ( Canis lupus baileyi) of gray wolf, and red wolves are a legitimate, separate wolf species ( Canis rufus). Now, a federally-commissioned study has put that question to rest. As part of this contention, some have questioned the science asserting the animals are unique species and worthy of protection under the U.S. These North American predators often come into conflict with people, especially farmers and ranchers. Red wolves, for example, have plummeted to a population of 35 animals or fewer.īut despite incredible recoveries, both remain highly imperiled. It’s hard to believe red wolves and Mexican gray wolves are still around: Both came about as close to extinction as is physically possible.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |