This project will directly support one of the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s (FWS) red wolf recovery programs highest priorities and a priority 1 recovery action listed in the 2023 revised…

This project will directly support one of the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s (FWS) red wolf recovery programs highest priorities and a priority 1 recovery action listed in the 2023 revised recovery plan for the red wolf: increase capacity of the safe population to support establishing additional wild populations of red wolves and maintain gene diversity and a priority 3 recovery action: develop a controlled propagation plan for the safe population to optimize reproduction, reduce mortality, and sustain a healthy population. The safe population is critical to the recovery of the red wolf for the benefit of the american people as IT represents the genetic and demographic safeguard for the entire species and is vital to any future potential reintroductions and, therefore, recovery of the species. Funding for this project will fund a full-time AZA red wolf safe EX situ population manager, a part-time red wolf safe studbook keeper, and additional costs associated with these positions (e.g., travel costs, conference fees, etc.) both positions are vital to the management and success of the safe population and its ability to meet FWS recovery goals. Objectives include 1) increase safe population breeding capacity, through recruitment of new partner facilities and or additional enclosures with current partner facilities, to achieve the robust captive population needed support wild populations and maintain gene diversity, 2) coordinate breeding and management of red wolves among approved cooperating facilities, 3) maintain accurate records for use in demographic and genetic analyses relevant to population management, and 4) maximize genetic vigor of the species to the extent possible by implementing genetically sound breeding strategies, while working toward the target population size identified by the FWS. Project deliverables: EX situ population manager: 1) annual safe population management meeting, 2) annual b t plan, 3) active recruit of new red wolf holding partners studbook keeper: 1) updated and accurate studbook, 2) data exported to population management software