NEWS RELEASE
June 18, 2024
How fostering helps disseminate genetics in the wild population
PHOENIX — What is the best way to infuse genetic diversity into the wild Mexican wolf population?
Some argue that releasing captive-reared adult wolf pairs into the wild is the best way. But is it really?
In this video, Jim deVos, Mexican wolf coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, discusses why fostering of wolf pups into wild dens is more effective than releasing captive pairs in the long run because of the geographic dispersal of genetics that fostering provides.
This video was recorded before the latest fostering numbers were released; for an update on the continuing success of the program, see the news release.
Fostering is a coordinated effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and the Saving Animals From Extinction program. Aerial support for the 2024 operations was provided by LightHawk Conservation Flying and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Aviation Program.
View the video.