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U.S. Border Wall Construction Threatens Endangered Wolves, Conservationists Say
Conservationists say the 18- to 30-foot barrier could isolate wolves and worsen inbreeding in a species descended from just seven founders.
- A radio-collared endangered Mexican wolf crossed from the New Mexico Bootheel into Chihuahua, Mexico, last week, marking the first such movement in decades, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Aislinn Maestas.
- Once common across the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, the 'lobo' nearly went extinct in the 1970s; today, at least 319 wild wolves live in the U.S., with around 36 in Mexico and 380 in captive programs.
- Current construction of an 18- to 30-foot-high border barrier in the New Mexico Bootheel may prevent the wolf's return, said Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity.
- Sealing the area threatens the species with chronic inbreeding, according to Cyndi Tuell, Arizona and New Mexico director at Western Watersheds Project, who noted cross-border mating is crucial for genetic diversity.
- The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection argue the barrier is necessary for national security, though they acknowledged environmental risks and did not respond to requests for comment.
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Total News Sources33
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center28Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Center
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources are Center
88% Center
C 88%
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