Project abstract fornew mexicos preventive and depredation compensation program in support of viable ranching, self-sustaining wolf populations, and healthy western landscapes in the american…

Project abstract fornew mexicos preventive and depredation compensation program in support of viable ranching, self-sustaining wolf populations, and healthy western landscapes in the american southwestnew mexico department of agriculture (nmda) continues to support the recovery of endangered mexican wolves in new mexico. Recovery of the mexican wolf depends on the coexistence of wolves and livestock, and the support of livestock producers in the geographical area with the highest risks of wolf livestock interactions. Several notable advances were made in 2022. For example, the mexican wolf population increased in 2022 by 23 . A minimum of 241 known wolves were nearly evenly distributed between new mexico and arizona, but there were nearly twice as many packs and breeding pairs in new mexico than in arizona. Despite the increase in the wolf population, the overall depredation rate (i.e., the number of confirmed wolf kills total cattle inventory in four new mexico counties) remained at 0.1 , and the number of confirmed depredations per 100 wolves decreased for yet another year. Additionally, new mexico saw wolf occupation in a fifth county for the first time in 2022, hailing the expansion of wolves in the new mexico. Finally, new mexico saw a 39 increase in the number of livestock producers wanting to participate in the preventive measures program, indicating a growing realization of coexistence between livestock and mexican wolves. Nmda expects these trends to continue.nmda implements the wolf-livestock loss demonstration program with several partners to encourage livestock producer participation in the prevention of wolf livestock interactions. When such interactions are unavoidable, livestock producers are compensated for certified wolf depredations of livestock in a timely manner. To accomplish these goals, nmda will work with the new mexico county livestock loss authority (clla). The purpose of the clla is for local county officials to engage and interact with the livestock producers in the areas of highest risk between mexican wolves and livestock, resulting in greater efficiencies in program administration, and higher trust and participation in the program by livestock producers.nmdas partners will continue to assist new mexico livestock producers with the implementation of preventive measures, monitoring, and adaptive management to ensure the highest rate of success. Nmda will maintain program oversight and ensure reports, inspections, expenditures, and progress are reported to the united states fish and wildlife service.