01
Jun
Great Letters to the Editor from Lobo Advocates!
Writing a letter to the editor is an excellent way to raise awareness about critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and the steps needed to help them thrive. Surveys of newspaper readers show that the letters page is among the most closely read parts of the paper. It’s also the page policy-makers look to as a barometer of public opinion.
We applaud these fine letter writers who are making a difference for endangered lobos!
We hope that these letters will motivate you to be a voice for wolves. Your letters make a big difference in the effort to protect and recover Mexican wolves.
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Santa Fe Reporter — NM
May 25, 2017
After nearly 20 years of recovery efforts, the population of Mexican gray wolves in the wild hovers around 100. This is far short of what is needed to maintain the species. Gov. Susana Martinez and the State Game Commission have obstructed recovery efforts for many years (“Appeals court removes block on Mexican gray wolf reintroduction,” April 26).
The latest permit issued by the state Game and Fish Department states that two captive-born wolf pups may be placed with wild wolves but that two wild-born pups must be removed, thus ensuring no net increase in the number of wolves. This is not recovery; it is another sadistic act of pathological hatred for native wildlife. New Mexico’s degenerate wildlife management harms wildlife and erodes ecological integrity. Voters will soon be able to elect a new governor, hopefully someone with a firm commitment to the ethics of wildlife management in the 21st century.
Charles Fox
Santa Fe
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Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ
May 2, 2017
Senator Jeff Flake has introduced legislation that will drive the Mexican gray wolf (the Lobo) to extinction.
The bill replaces the science-based process outlined in the Endangered Species Act for deciding when an endangered species has recovered with decision-making by the livestock industry, anti-wolf hunting groups, and the anti-wolf game departments of Arizona and New Mexico.
The decision to take wolves off the protected list would be exempt from judicial review, thus undermining the checks and balances system.
A politically-based cap on the number of wolves would be implemented with any wolves over that number removed and most likely killed. Wolves would be confined to a small area and not be allowed north of I-40 into the Grand Canyon region where scientists say they need to inhabit in order to recover. According to scientists, 750 wolves in at least three populations spread across the Southwest are needed for the species to survive in the wild.
The Endangered Species Act is guided by science, not politics. A majority of voters in the U.S. support the act and the recovery of the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf.
Please call Senator Flake today and tell him to abandon this bill, ensure that Arizona keeps its promise not to block releases of captive-bred lobos that add to the genetic diversity and survivability of the species and not to introduce any similar legislation as a sneaky rider on other bills.
D. Zachary
Hackberry AZ
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Casa Grande Dispatch
April 29, 2017
Wonderful news you have published. A Mexican gray wolf pup was born at a captive facility through artificial insemination using frozen sperm. Another tool to increase the genetic diversity of this highly endangered population. This diversity must be allowed to transfer to the wild. Only 113 lobos live in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico, 19 years after their reintroduction. A dismal number, which has lost significant genetic health — the victims of a lack of releases, illegal killings, removal and kill management. What these lobos need to stave off extinction is not a mystery. First and foremost they need many more releases into the wild. Between 2008 and 2016 only four adults were released. These wolves need to be released in a larger area. They need the ability to move into and between suitable habitats, including those north of I-40.
Management must focus on preventing and reducing wolf/livestock conflicts. The genetic diversity and numbers needed for a robust population in the wild are available in the captive breeding facilities. Political meddling in their survival at the state, local and federal level through legislation, riders and policy must stop. Undermining the Endangered Species Act is unacceptable. The Mexican gray wolf has an inherent right to exist.
Rosalind Switzer
Florence, AZ
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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!
PLEASE WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO SHOW YOU STAND WITH WOLVES!
The letters to the editor page is one of the most widely read, influential parts of the newspaper. One letter from you can reach thousands of people and will also likely be read by decision-makers.
Here is a recent Lobo article that needs letters to the Editor. Talking points and submission information is provided.
Santa Fe New Mexican – May 28, 2017
