Solutions Implementing a Future

The key to success is to never give up and lose faith. The efforts of the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf supporters is beyond admirable. Even though the progress of the reintroduction of wolves hasn't been as substantial as hoped and the possibility of wolves losing their protection rights being on the horizon much to the pleasure of livestock industries, the determination to fight to save the species from extinction to there is strong. Issues are addressed, accepted, and worked around with a positive attitude with continual work on the improvement of the reintroduction program:

Revising the Plan

In December 2010, a revision of the 1982 Mexican Wolf Recovery Program was initiated. Three meetings were held in 2011 and there will be more scheduled for 2012. The goal is to have a draft for review available in the latter of 2012 and a final plan for release in the latter of 2013. Hopes with this plan are to get the wolves released from the endangered species list, but under means that fulfill the criteria to not be listed on there, not to be kicked off. The proper time and costs will also be proposed for the honorable removal from the list ("Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program").

Plans to Reduce Livestock Death Toll

Scientists are currently working with wolves through a series of experiments to condition them to not prey on livestock through manipulation of their taste buds. They are hoping to condition wolves to not wish to eat something because it is associated to a chemical they don't enjoy the taste of and makes them feel ill (Associated Press).

Another experiment monitored radio-tagged domestic calves upon release in two sites in the  Mexican wolf recovery area for multiple years. Results show that areas with year round calving are vulnerable to higher losses because the calves are exposed to predators for longer periods of time. Thus, it is suggested to limit calving to a seasonal occasion to prevent a long term exposure to predation. Also, to prevent predation furthermore on livestock, it has been proposed to provide alternative water sources or alternative predator-free pastures to physically segregate livestock and predators (Breck, Kluever, Panasci, Oakleaf, Johnson, Ballard, Howery, and Bergman 930-936).

Since the possibility of mortality isn't fully eliminated, it is presented to offer appropriate compensation programs. Current compensation programs rely on verifying predation events to receive compensation are not fair unless produced effort isn't taken into account as well. The alternative plan is to offer payment based on the outcomes of conservation and compensation is based on the damage that the animals are expected to cause (Breck, Kluever, Panasci, Oakleaf, Johnson, Ballard, Howery, and Bergman 930-936).