President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that could lead the Mexican gray wolf to be removed from the endangered species list.
The wolves nearly went extinct before they were reintroduced to Arizona and New Mexico in 1998. Nearly 30 years later, there are roughly 300 Mexican gray wolves in the region.
Sandy Bahr, from the Sierra Club, said there are two concerns: There isn’t yet enough genetic diversity among the wolves to warrant delisting. And the population is simply not large enough to be removed at this point.
“There are a lot of animals we wouldn't have if it weren't for the Endangered Species Act,” Bahr said. “Of course, some of them have actually recovered, but the Mexican gray wolf just isn't there yet.”
The executive order instructs the secretary of the Interior to determine if the Mexican gray wolf has met the recovery criteria, and to prepare a recommendation within 90 days to either delist or downgrade the wolves under the Endangered Species Act.
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The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Bird Alliance have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming it has violated the Endangered Species Act. The Verde River is home to several species protected by the act. The nonprofits claim the species' habitats are impacted by illegal livestock grazing. -
The Arizona Game and Fish Department warns that Arizona is at risk of the flesh-eating parasite after recent cases in New Mexico and northern Mexico. -
The investment was welcomed by groups that advocate for the protection of wild horses and have been pushing the government to abandon helicopter roundups. -
Birders marveled at a surprise appearance by a wood stork. Photos of the wading bird, with its white feathers, spindly legs and long, orange beak, made the rounds on social media. -
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memo, signed by Director Brian Nesvik, is the latest of the Trump administration's steps to remove regulations outlined by the Endangered Species Act.
