Like wild wolves elsewhere, Mexican wolves play a critical role in helping bring stability to ecosystems by reducing disruptive fluctuations in prey populations and controlling smaller predator populations. Prevailing science indicates that wolves act to help increase biodiversity. A major advantage of restoring wolves is that they can keep deer, elk and antelope populations within the carrying capacity of the habitat that supports them. Wolves cull weak, old and sick animals from the population. Maintaining such a fundamental ecological processes is the foundation for a balanced, healthy wilderness.
Defenders continually works to increase public understanding and acceptance of wolves.
By working with tribal, state and federal officials we hope to continue building a cooperative management atmosphere to ensure recovery program expansion and success. Defenders is also working with local ranchers and land managers to modify husbandry and predator-control practices which could frustrate wolf recovery. Defenders has established relationships with key officials and citizen groups in Mexico to encourage binational cooperation with captive breeding and habitat protection. Defenders helped lay the foundation for Mexican wolf reintroduction in the United States and continues to work with stakeholders concerning potential reintroductions in Mexico.