Press Release
Service to Review Status of Mexican Wolf to Determine if it is an Endangered Subspecies
The Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is currently listed as endangered within a broader species-level listing of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the lower 48 states and Mexico. After careful consideration, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the Mexican wolf may warrant reclassification as an endangered subspecies.
The current 10(j) population of the Mexican wolf will remain listed as experimental, nonessential, while the Service conducts a status review.
Based on the review of two petitions asking the agency to list the Mexican wolf as an endangered subspecies and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, it was determined the petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information and that petitioned action warrants further review.
One of the petitions also requested the listing of the Mexican wolf as an endangered Distinct Population Segment (DPS). While the Service did not address the DPS portion of the petition in this finding, that information will be evaluated during the status review. While the status review is in progress, the Mexican wolf would remain protected as an endangered species.
To ensure this status review is comprehensive, the Service is requesting all existing scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the Mexican wolf. Based on the status review, the Service will issue a 12-month finding on the petitions, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted.
To allow adequate time to conduct this review, the Service requests that information be received on or before October 4, 2010. You may submit information by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for docket FWS-R2-ES-2010-0045 and then follow the instructions for submitting comments. U. S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2010-0045; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. E-mails or faxes will not be accepted. All comments will be posted on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that any personal information provided will be posted.
The current 10(j) population of the Mexican wolf will remain listed as experimental, nonessential, while the Service conducts a status review.
Based on the review of two petitions asking the agency to list the Mexican wolf as an endangered subspecies and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, it was determined the petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information and that petitioned action warrants further review.
One of the petitions also requested the listing of the Mexican wolf as an endangered Distinct Population Segment (DPS). While the Service did not address the DPS portion of the petition in this finding, that information will be evaluated during the status review. While the status review is in progress, the Mexican wolf would remain protected as an endangered species.
To ensure this status review is comprehensive, the Service is requesting all existing scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the Mexican wolf. Based on the status review, the Service will issue a 12-month finding on the petitions, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted.
To allow adequate time to conduct this review, the Service requests that information be received on or before October 4, 2010. You may submit information by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for docket FWS-R2-ES-2010-0045 and then follow the instructions for submitting comments. U. S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2010-0045; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. E-mails or faxes will not be accepted. All comments will be posted on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that any personal information provided will be posted.
