Arizona Daily Sun (Original) Letter to the Editor Posted May 31, 2015 by Toni Prothero
To the editor:
Thank you for your very interesting article reporting on the cross-fostering of endangered Mexican wolf pups to help increase the genetic diversity of the species. I am a resident of Arizona and have long taken a great interest in the recovery of the Mexican wolf, a recovery I and many others wholeheartedly support.
As the article correctly points out, the species is currently at great risk of extinction, in part, due to inbreeding. The cross-fostering of pups is a promising tactic, but cannot be relied upon to save the species. More adult Mexican wolves need to be released into the wild and the rate of release must be increased immediately if we are to have any hope of saving the species. The USFWS has delayed too long because of politics in completing the recovery plan, a plan that they are mandated by law to put in place.
These beautiful animals are critical to healthy, balanced ecosystems in the Southwest. It is time they are given the support they need to take their place in our wild lands. Cross-fostering of pups can and should be part of the strategy, but science tells us that more and timely releases of adult wolves are crucial to successful recovery.
TONI PROTHERO
Flagstaff
