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Canis lupus baileyi

Nelson and Goldman, 1929

Mexican Wolf

T2T2 (G5T2) Found in 143 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
T2T2Global Rank
MediumThreat Impact
Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Public Domain (U.S. Government Work), via ECOS.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, https://www.usa.gov/government-works
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.104666
Element CodeAMAJA01032
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSubspecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
CITESAppendix II
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassMammalia
OrderCarnivora
FamilyCanidae
GenusCanis
Synonyms
Canis lupus mogollonensis
Concept Reference
Hall, E. R. 1981a. The Mammals of North America, second edition. Vols. I & II. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York. 1181 pp.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-09-07
Change Date2025-09-07
Edition Date2025-09-07
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G. (2013); rev. R. L. Gundy (2025)
Threat ImpactMedium
Range Extent20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 5
Rank Reasons
This species was historically widespread in the southwestern United States and adjacent México. By the 1970s this subspecies was extinct in the U.S. with only a very small number surviving in México. The seven individuals known were placed into captive breeding programs. Wolves were reintroduced in the U.S. starting in 1998 and in México starting in 2011. The population has now expanded to approximately 277 individuals, with 242 in the U.S. and 35 in México. The population continues to be threatened by persecution from humans in retaliation for livestock depredation, and from vehicle strikes.
Range Extent Comments
Before this subspecies was hunted to near-extinction and the last seven individuals of the species known were brought into captivity for captive breeding programs, the historical range extended from southeastern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico southward into México as far south as Oaxaca (Heffelfinger et al. 2017). Limited records from western Texas likely represented outlier individuals that wandered beyond the typical range for this subspecies with little evidence to suggest a population occurred regularly in Texas (Heffelfinger et al. 2017). The current range, made up entirely of reintroduced individuals and their offspring, includes southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua (USFWS 2024). USFWS (2024) estimated the U.S. range extent to be 60,524 km² and the Mexican range extent to be 6,590 km².
Occurrences Comments
This subspecies is represented by only two extant occurrences: one in the U.S., and one in northern México (USFWS 2024).
Threat Impact Comments
The primary threats impacting this subspecies are persecution by humans and vehicle strikes. Wolves are regularly killed by ranchers in retaliation for wolves preying on livestock (Breck et al. 2023, Reyes Díaz et al. 2024, USFWS 2024). Between 2018 and 2022, 59 individuals were illegally killed (USFWS 2024). Vehicle strikes are another major source of mortality with 15 being killed by vehicles between 2018 and 2022 (USFWS 2024). Disease, particularly canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus, also presents a minor threat (Justice-Allen and Clement 2019).
Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

These wolves are not limited to any particular habitat type, but viable populations occur only where human population density and persecution level are low and prey densities are high. Young are born in a den that may be on a bluff or slope among rocks or in an enlarged badger hole (Hoffmeister 1986).

Ecology

These wolves probably are similar to other subspecies as follows: packs consist of one or more family groups with dominance hierarchy; population density low; generally not instrumental in causing prey declines, the effect varying with other circumstances.

Reproduction

Gestation lasts about 2 months. Young are born in March and early April (Hoffmeister 1986). Litter size may average around 6-7; one litter/year. Only the dominate male/female mate and rear offspring. Young are tended by both parents. Young and parents leave den when young are about 3 months old. Pups are weaned probably in about 5-7 weeks. Some offspring remain with pack, others disperse as they mature. Breeding first occurs during the second or third year (Hoffmeister 1986).
Terrestrial Habitats
Woodland - HardwoodWoodland - ConiferWoodland - MixedShrubland/chaparralGrassland/herbaceousOld fieldDesert
Palustrine Habitats
Riparian
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN1
ProvinceRankNative
TexasSXYes
Navajo NationSXYes
New MexicoS1Yes
ArizonaS1Yes
Threat Assessments
ThreatScopeSeverityTiming
4 - Transportation & service corridorsPervasive (71-100%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
4.1 - Roads & railroadsPervasive (71-100%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
5 - Biological resource usePervasive (71-100%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
5.1 - Hunting & collecting terrestrial animalsPervasive (71-100%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
5.1.3 - Persecution/controlPervasive (71-100%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8 - Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesPervasive (71-100%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8.2 - Problematic native species/diseasesPervasive (71-100%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)

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Roadless Areas (143)
Arizona (64)
AreaForestAcres
Arnold MesaPrescott National Forest12,286
Arnold MesaTonto National Forest249
Ash CreekPrescott National Forest7,663
Barbershop CanyonCoconino National Forest1,311
Big RidgeKaibab National Forest9,087
Black CanyonPrescott National Forest10,683
Black River CanyonApache-Sitgreaves National Forests11,817
Blind Indian CreekPrescott National Forest26,847
BoulderTonto National Forest40,359
Boulder CanyonCoconino National Forest4,554
Burro CanyonKaibab National Forest19,928
Butterfly Roadless AreaCoronado National Forest42,296
Campbell BlueApache-Sitgreaves National Forests7,003
Cdo WsaCoronado National Forest1,955
CenterfireApache-Sitgreaves National Forests13,130
Cherry CreekTonto National Forest11,371
ChiricahuaCoronado National Forest76,876
Cimarron HillsCoconino National Forest5,303
Coconino RimKaibab National Forest7,213
Connell MountainsPrescott National Forest7,926
East Clear CreekCoconino National Forest1,613
FritschePrescott National Forest14,190
GaliuroCoronado National Forest28,333
GoldfieldTonto National Forest15,257
Grief HillPrescott National Forest12,535
HackberryCoconino National Forest17,885
HackberryPrescott National Forest914
Happy ValleyCoronado National Forest7,972
Hell HoleApache-Sitgreaves National Forests15,512
HellsgateTonto National Forest6,171
Horse MesaTonto National Forest9,146
Hot AirApache-Sitgreaves National Forests31,712
Jacks CanyonCoconino National Forest2,858
Lime CreekTonto National Forest42,568
Lower Dragoon RoadlessCoronado National Forest1,165
Lower Jacks CanyonCoconino National Forest777
Lower RinconCoronado National Forest3,278
Lower San FranciscoApache-Sitgreaves National Forests59,310
MazatzalTonto National Forest16,942
Middle Dragoon RoadlessCoronado National Forest10,543
Mitchell PeakApache-Sitgreaves National Forests35,398
MuldoonPrescott National Forest5,821
NolanApache-Sitgreaves National Forests6,780
Oracle RoadlessCoronado National Forest22,365
Padre CanyonCoconino National Forest9,431
Painted BluffsApache-Sitgreaves National Forests43,118
PicachoTonto National Forest4,969
PinalenoCoronado National Forest130,920
Pine Mountain Wilderness ContiguousPrescott National Forest3,129
Pine Mountain Wilderness ContiguousTonto National Forest6,518
PipestemApache-Sitgreaves National Forests34,598
Red PointKaibab National Forest7,139
SalomeTonto National Forest2,932
Salt HouseApache-Sitgreaves National Forests21,848
Santa RitaCoronado National Forest6,078
Santa TeresaCoronado National Forest8,929
Sheridan MountainPrescott National Forest37,600
Sierra Ancha Wilderness ContiguousTonto National Forest7,787
SunsetApache-Sitgreaves National Forests28,948
Upper Rincon RoadlessCoronado National Forest2,991
Walker MountainCoconino National Forest6,382
WhetstoneCoronado National Forest20,728
Willis CanyonKaibab National Forest9,688
WinchesterCoronado National Forest13,459
New Mexico (79)
AreaForestAcres
Alamo CanyonSanta Fe National Forest8,639
Apache Kid ContiguousCibola National Forest67,542
Apache MountainGila National Forest17,506
Arroyo de la PresaSanta Fe National Forest6,178
Arroyo de los FrijolesSanta Fe National Forest5,277
Aspen MountainGila National Forest23,784
Bearhead PeakSanta Fe National Forest8,277
Black CanyonSanta Fe National Forest1,922
Brushy MountainGila National Forest7,199
Brushy SpringsGila National Forest5,735
Bull CanyonCarson National Forest11,512
CajaSanta Fe National Forest5,304
Canada Bonito RNASanta Fe National Forest487
Canones CreekSanta Fe National Forest3,938
Canyon CreekGila National Forest9,824
Carrizo MountainLincoln National Forest17,280
Cerro AlesnaCibola National Forest6,184
Cerro La JaraSanta Fe National Forest1,122
Chama WS RiverSanta Fe National Forest4,168
Chama WildernessSanta Fe National Forest1,295
Clara PeakSanta Fe National Forest788
Contiguous To Black & Aldo Leopold WildernessGila National Forest111,883
Contiguous To Blue Range WildernessGila National Forest1,980
Contiguous To Gila Wilderness & Primitive AreaGila National Forest79,049
CulpLincoln National Forest3,251
DatilCibola National Forest13,958
Devils CreekGila National Forest89,916
Dry CreekGila National Forest26,719
Eagle PeakGila National Forest34,016
El InviernoSanta Fe National Forest29,927
El LagunitoSanta Fe National Forest6,799
Elk MountainGila National Forest6,550
Frisco BoxGila National Forest38,979
Ghost TownSanta Fe National Forest219
Gila BoxGila National Forest23,759
Goat SpringCibola National Forest5,755
GuadalupeCibola National Forest13,619
Guaje CanyonSanta Fe National Forest6,104
Hell HoleGila National Forest19,553
Ignaciao Chavez ContiguousCibola National Forest993
Juan de Gabaldon GrantSanta Fe National Forest8,023
LargoGila National Forest12,731
LemitasSanta Fe National Forest8,129
Little TesuqueSanta Fe National Forest815
Lower San FranciscoGila National Forest26,460
Madre MountainCibola National Forest19,839
Meadow CreekGila National Forest34,167
Mesa AltaSanta Fe National Forest1,868
Mother HubbardGila National Forest5,895
Mt. TaylorCibola National Forest6,355
Nichols ReservoirSanta Fe National Forest1,518
NolanGila National Forest13,051
Ortega PeakLincoln National Forest11,545
Oso VallecitosSanta Fe National Forest1,116
Pacheco CanyonSanta Fe National Forest1,012
Peloncillo (NM)Coronado National Forest43,339
Peralta RidgeSanta Fe National Forest4,027
PollywogSanta Fe National Forest8,557
PolvaderaSanta Fe National Forest2,487
Polvadera PeakSanta Fe National Forest6,291
Poverty CreekGila National Forest8,770
Pueblo MesaSanta Fe National Forest3,540
Ranger CabinCibola National Forest6,124
Ryan HillCibola National Forest34,201
San JoseCibola National Forest16,950
San Pedro ParksSanta Fe National Forest5,824
Sawyers PeakGila National Forest59,743
Scott MesaCibola National Forest39,515
Stone CanyonGila National Forest6,801
T BarGila National Forest6,823
Taylor CreekGila National Forest16,639
The HubGila National Forest7,498
Thompson PeakSanta Fe National Forest33,001
Virgin CanyonSanta Fe National Forest6,068
Wagon TongueGila National Forest11,411
Wahoo MountainGila National Forest23,122
West Face Sacramento MountainsLincoln National Forest41,176
White CapCibola National Forest8,036
YoungsvilleSanta Fe National Forest6,122
References (22)
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  2. Brown, D. E. 1983. The wolf in the Southwest: the making of an endangered species. University of Arizona Press. Tucson.
  3. Cohn, J. P. 1990. Endangered wolf population increases. BioScience 40(9):628-632.
  4. Hall, E. R. 1981a. The Mammals of North America, second edition. Vols. I & II. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York. 1181 pp.
  5. Heffelfinger, J. R., R. M. Nowak, and D. Paetkau. 2017. Clarifying historical range to aid recovery of the Mexican wolf. The Journal of Wildlife Management 81(5): 766–777. doi: 10.1002/jwmg.21252766
  6. Hoffmeister, D. F. 1986. Mammals of Arizona. University of Arizona Press and Arizona Game and Fish Department. 602 pp.
  7. Hyde, M., J. K. Oakleaf, J. deVos, D. L. Bergman, K. R. Crooks, J. K. Young, R. G. Amirkhiz, J. K. Frey, and S. W. Breck. 2025. Food subsidies reduce livestock depredations by a recovering carnivore. Animal Conservation 2025(0): 1–11. doi: 10.1111/acv.70028
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  9. Justice-Allen, A., and M. J. Clement. 2019. Effect of canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus on the Mexican wolf (<i>Canis lupus baileyi</i>) population in the USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 55(3): 682–688. doi: 10.7589/2018-07-175
  10. Matthews, J.R. and C.J. Moseley (eds.). 1990. The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endangered Species of North America. Volume 1. Plants, Mammals. xxiii + pp 1-560 + 33 pp. appendix + 6 pp. glossary + 16 pp. index. Volume 2. Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, Mussels, Crustaceans, Snails, Insects, and Arachnids. xiii + pp. 561-1180. Beacham Publications, Inc., Washington, D.C.
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  12. Mech, L. D. 1974. <i>Canis lupus</i>. American Society of Mammalogists, Mammalian Species No. 37. 6 pp.
  13. Merkle, J. A., P. R. Krausman, D. W. Stark, J. K. Oakleaf, and W. B. Ballard. 2009. Summer diet of the Mexican gray wolf (<i>Canis lupus baileyi</i>). Southwestern Naturalist 54:480-485.
  14. Mexican Wolf Recovery Program. 2000. Project update, July 16, 1999 - February 20, 2000. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Arizon Game and Fish Department, Pinetop, Arizona. 5 pp.
  15. Reyes Díaz, J. L., M. E. Lara Díaz, M. G. Camargo Aguilera, L. L. Saldívar Burrola, and C. A. López González. 2024. The importance of livestock in the diet of Mexican wolf <i>Canis lupus baileyi</i> in northwestern Mexico. Wildlife Biology 2024: e01272. doi: 10.1002/wlb3.01272
  16. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2024. 5-year Evaluation of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan. Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. 26 pp.
  17. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Endangered and threatened species recovery program: report to Congress. 406 pp.
  18. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1997. Mexican wolf recovery program status report (April 1996 - April 1997). Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  19. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2013. The Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program website.
  20. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (<i>Canis lupus</i>) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Federal Register 85(213):69778-69895.
  21. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision to the Nonessential Experimental Population of the Mexican Wolf. Federal Register 86(207):59953-59975.
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