Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project Interagency Field Team Annual Report Reporting Period: January 1 – December 31, 2007 Prepared by: Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and White Mountain Apache Tribe. Cooperators: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (USDA-WS) US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) US Forest Service (USFS) White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) Introduction This report summarizes results of Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) activities during 2007. The IFT operates under guidance from an interagency Adaptive Management Oversight Committee (AMOC), which is composed of representatives from the six cooperators (agencies) listed above. The project is part of a larger recovery program that is intended to reestablish the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) across its historical range. The Blue Range Reintroduction Project is conducted in accordance with a nonessential experimental population final rule (USFWS 1998) that established the 6850 mi2 (17,740 km2) Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area (BRWRA) (Fig. 1). In 2000, the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) agreed to allow free-ranging Mexican wolves to inhabit the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR). In 2002, the WMAT signed an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that enabled direct release of Mexican wolves on the FAIR. This added approximately 2440 mi2 (6319 km2) to area available for Mexican wolf reintroduction, bringing the total to 9290 mi2 (24,059 km2). The reintroduction area lies within the Alpine, Clifton, and Springerville Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) and the FAIR in east-central Arizona, and the Gila National Forest (GNF) in west-central New Mexico. In March 1998, the first release of Mexican wolves occurred, on the Alpine and Clifton Ranger Districts of the Apache National Forest, Arizona. At the end of 1998, the wild population in Arizona and New Mexico consisted of four wolves in two packs. By the end of 2007, the wild population in Arizona and New Mexico had grown through natural reproduction, translocations, and initial releases, to a minimum of 52 wolves and 12 packs. Wolf age and sex abbreviations used in this document: A = alpha M = adult male (> two years old) F = adult female (> two years old) m = subadult male (one-two years old) 1 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 2 of 44 f = subadult female (one-two years old) mp = male pup (< one year old) fp = female pup (< one year old) Methods The IFT followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that have been approved by AMOC and the Directors of the six cooperating agencies listed above (i.e. the “Lead Agencies”). These SOPs can be found at http://azgfd/wolf. The following definitions apply to the SOPs and to this report: Breeding pair: an adult male and an adult female that have produced at least two pups during the previous breeding season that survived until December 31 of the year of their birth (USFWS 1998). Wolf pack: ≥ two wolves that maintain an established territory. In the event that one of the two alpha (dominant) wolves dies, the remaining alpha wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack status or name. Releases: wolves that are released directly from captivity, with no previous free-ranging experience. These “initial releases” may only occur in the Primary Recovery Zone, which is entirely within Greenlee County, Arizona (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). Translocations: free-ranging wolves that are captured and moved to a location away from their site of capture; this includes captured free-ranging wolves that have been temporarily placed in captivity. Unlike initial releases, translocations can occur in the Primary Recovery Zone or in the Secondary Recovery Zone (Fig. 1). The Secondary Recovery Zone contains portions of Apache and Greenlee counties in Arizona, and Catron, Sierra, and Grant counties in New Mexico (Fig. 2). Depredation: confirmed killing or wounding of lawfully-present domestic livestock by one or more wolves. Depredation incident: refers to the aggregate number of livestock killed or mortally wounded by an individual wolf or by a single pack of wolves at a single location within a one-day (24 hr) period, beginning with the first confirmed kill, as documented in an initial IFT incident investigation pursuant to SOP 11.0. Releases and Translocations Initial release candidates are genetically surplus to the captive breeding program. Once selected for release, wolves are acclimated in USFWS-approved facilities prior to release. These facilities include the Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility, managed by the Turner Endangered Species Fund, and the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility, managed by the USFWS at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Both facilities are located in New Mexico. In the management facilities, contact between wolves and humans is minimized. Carcasses of road-killed native prey species (primarily deer (Odocoileus spp.) and elk (Cervus elaphus)) supplement the routine diet of processed canine food. Genetically and socially compatible Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 3 of 44 breeding pairs are established and evaluated for physical, reproductive, and behavioral suitability for direct release into the wild. Wolves are released using either a soft release or a hard release method. The soft release method holds wolves at the release site for up to several months to acclimate them to the specific area. Soft release pens are generally constructed of chain link or soft plastic with electrified or nonelectrified mesh. A hard release is a direct release of a wolf (or wolves) from a crate into the wild or into an enclosure built of fladry (flagging hanging on a rope surrounding a small protected area; sometimes the fladry “fence-line” is electrified). Adult wolves selected for initial release or for translocation are radio-collared and given complete physical examinations before they are moved to translocation sites. Pups are also given complete physicals, but radio collars are not affixed to them due to their small size. Carcasses of native prey or commercially processed canine “meat logs” and fresh water are provided as needed in the release/translocation pens. Areas within approximately 0.5 mi (0.8 km) of release pens are posted “closed to the public,” by the USFS. IFT personnel camp nearby to maintain additional security. The acclimation pen for the 2007 translocation was approximately 0.13 acres (526 m2) in size and built of nylon mesh, with electric fencing interwoven into the structure. Flagging was also attached to the pen walls approximately every two feet, as a visual barrier to discourage wolves from running into pen walls. Following release, wolves are provided road-killed elk and deer, or meat logs, as supplemental food. The duration of supplemental feeding varies, depending on time of year, availability of vulnerable prey, and whether pups are present. Supplemental feeding is gradually discontinued as wolves became self-sufficient, usually within one to two months after release. Monitoring is most intense immediately after release, to determine when wolves began killing prey. Radio Telemetry Monitoring All radio-collared wolves were monitored by standard radio telemetry from the ground, as opportunity allowed, and one to two times weekly from the air. Visual observations, wolf behavior, evidence of a kill site, associated uncollared wolves, and fresh sign were also noted at each location. Location data were entered into the project’s Access database for analysis. Aerial locations of wolves were used to develop home ranges (White and Garrott 1990), which were calculated based on the definition in the final rule (USFWS 1998). Home ranges were calculated using >20 individual aerial locations on a pack, pair, or single wolf exhibiting territorial behavior over a period of > six months. To maximize sample independence, individual radio-collared wolf locations were included in home range calculations only if individual wolf locations were spatially or temporally separated from other radio-collared pack members. This limited pseudo-replication of locations. Home range polygons were generated at the 95% confidence level, using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method (White and Garrott 1990) in the animal movement extension in the program ArcView (Hooge et al. 1999; ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA). Home ranges were not calculated for wolves that had <20 aerial radio locations, displayed dispersal behavior, or exhibited non-territorial behavior during 2007. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 4 of 44 Occupied Range Occupied wolf range was calculated based on the definition in the Final Rule (USFWS 1998) and using the following criteria: (1) a five mi (eight km) radius around all locations of non radio monitored wolves and wolf sign occurring in an area consistently used over a period of at least one month; (2) a five mi (eight km) radius around radio locations of resident wolves when < 20 radio locations are available (for radio monitored wolves only); (3) a five mi (eight km) radius around radio monitored wolf locations (for wolves exhibiting dispersal or non-territorial behavior); and (4) a three mi (five km) radius around the convex polygon developed from >20 radio locations of a pack, pair, or single wolf exhibiting territorial behavior. Predation and Depredation Investigations Throughout the year, project personnel investigated ungulate carcasses as they were discovered to determine sex, age, general body condition, and whether the carcass had been scavenged or was a wolf kill. In addition, from March 1 to March 26, 2007 the IFT conducted intensive winter monitoring of five packs through daily aerial telemetry flights to locate the packs, pinpoint kills, and observe wolf numbers; ground crews examined these kill sites to ascertain: prey species, age, and sex; general body condition of prey; cause of death; and minimum kill rates. USDA-WS wolf specialists investigated suspected wolf depredations on livestock within 24 hours of receiving a report. However, not all dead livestock were found, or found in time to document cause of death. Accordingly, depredation numbers in this report represent the minimum number of livestock killed by wolves. Wolf Management The IFT hazed wolves (purposefully harassed them) on foot or by vehicle if the wolves localized near areas of human activity or were found feeding on, chasing, or killing livestock (< three depredation incidents). When necessary, the IFT used rubber bullets, cracker shells, radio activated guard (RAG) boxes, and fladry to encourage aversive response to humans and to discourage nuisance and depredation behavior. If hazing was not effective, the IFT captured and retained or re-released the wolf (or wolves) pursuant to SOP 13.0. The IFT captured wolves with leg hold traps; occasionally, conditions required use of darts and nets shot from helicopters. In addition, wolves that established themselves outside the BRWRA were captured and brought back into the BRWRA or temporarily held in captivity, per the final rule (USFWS 1998). The IFT permanently removed, sometimes lethally, wolves that were involved in three or more depredation incidents within a 365-day period. Population Estimation The IFT maintained the expanded efforts that were initiated in 2006 to make the 2007 year-end population estimate more comprehensive. This included increasing ground surveys for uncollared wolves, increasing flight hours for helicopter operations, greater coordination of wolf sightings by the public and other agencies, and use of remote cameras. Wolf sign (i.e. tracks, scats) was documented by driving roads and hiking canyons, trails, or other areas closed to motor vehicles. Confirmation of uncollared wolves was achieved via visual observation, howling, scats, and tracks. Ground survey efforts for suspected, but uncollared packs, were documented using global positioning system (GPS) and geographical information Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 5 of 44 systems (GIS) software and hardware. GPS tracks were recorded and downloaded into GIS software for analysis and mapping. Survey data were also recorded daily on forms and a dedicated survey effort spreadsheet. In January 2008, aircraft were used to help document free-ranging wolves for the end-of-year 2007 population count, and to capture wolves as necessary to affix radio-collars. Including January data in the December 31 end-of-year count (and in this 2007 annual report) is appropriate, because wolves alive in January were also alive in December (i.e. whelping does not occur in mid-winter). Fixed-wing aircraft were used to locate wolves and assess the potential for darting them from the helicopter. Where the terrain allowed, a helicopter was used to more accurately count the number of uncollared wolves associated with collared wolves and to capture target animals (e.g. uncollared wolves, wolves with old collars, wolves outside the 10j boundary, and wolves targeted for removal for nuisance or depredation). As part of the 2007 population estimate, members of the local public were also surveyed for possible wolf sightings. Ranchers, private landowners, wildlife managers, USFS personnel, and others were contacted to develop a wolf-sighting database. Sighting reports from agency cooperators were also collected. All sightings were analyzed to determine which most likely represented unknown wolves or packs. Remote digital cameras (regular flash and infrared) were used to document wolf presence. Information gleaned from public reports, surveys, and wolf sign were used to guide IFT efforts to trap uncollared single wolves or groups. The objective was to have at least one member of each pack radio collared. Using these methods, the IFT counted the number of uncollared wolves that were not associated with collared wolves. Mortality Wolf mortalities were identified via telemetry and public reports. Mortality signals were investigated within 12 hours of detection to determine the status of the wolf. Carcasses were investigated by law enforcement agents and were necropsied to determine proximate cause of death. Causes were summarized for all known deaths. For radio-collared wolves, mortality, missing, and removal rates were calculated using methods presented in Heisey and Fuller (1985). The IFT calculated yearly cause-specific mortality rates (i.e. human-caused versus natural/unknown mortality). Management removals may have an equivalent effect as mortalities on the free-ranging population of Mexican wolves (see Paquet et al. 2001). Thus, the IFT also calculated yearly cause-specific removal rates for radio-collared wolves. Later in recovery, these removals may actually be deaths, as wolves will be increasingly removed through lethal control (Bangs et al. 1998). Wolves were removed from the population for four primary causes during the reintroduction: (1) dispersal outside the BRWRA, (2) cattle depredations, (3) nuisance to humans, and (4) other (principally to pair with other wolves or to move a wolf to a better area without any of the other causes occurring first). Each time a wolf was moved, it was considered a removal, regardless of the animal’s status later in the year (e.g. if the wolf was translocated or held in captivity). The IFT calculated an overall failure rate of wolves in the wild by combining mortality, missing (only those wolves that went missing under questionable scenarios), and Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 6 of 44 removal rates to represent the overall yearly rate of wolves that were affected (i.e. managed, dead, or missing) in a given year. Outreach The IFT outreach efforts affirm the project’s commitment to engage in effective communication, identification of various outreach mechanisms, and standardization of certain outreach activities. These goals help ensure timely, accurate, and effective two-way communication between and among cooperating agencies and the public. Project personnel conducted outreach activities on a regular basis, as a means of disseminating information to stakeholders, concerned citizens, and government and non-government organizations. This was facilitated through monthly updates, field contacts, handouts, informational display booths, Web page updates, phone contacts, and formal presentations. During 2007, the IFT posted Mexican wolf reintroduction project updates within the BRWRA once each month, at places such as USFS offices, US post offices, and libraries, as well as on the AGFD Mexican wolf Web site at http://azgfd.gov/wolf and on the USFWS Mexican wolf Web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf. Interested parties could also sign up to receive the update electronically by visiting the AGFD Web site at http://azgfd.gov/signup. The IFT also faxed monthly project updates to stakeholders and interested citizens. The IFT produced a location map to inform cooperators and the public of areas occupied by wolves. The map was updated monthly and contained the previous three months of wolf aerial locations. The map was posted on the AGFD Web site at http://azgfd.gov/wolf. In addition to the map, a description of wolf locations from weekly flights was posted to this Web site within 48 hours of each flight. Project personnel made personal contact with campers, hunters, and other members of the public within the BRWRA, and provided them with information about the wolf project. These contacts advised the public of the potential for encountering wolves, provided general recommendations for recreating in wolf-occupied areas, and explained legal provisions of the non-essential experimental population rule. Results Information on the number of wolves and specific locations from the FAIR and the San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR) is not included in this report, in accordance with Tribal agreements. Population Status At the end of 2007, 20 radio-collared wolves (14 adults, five subadults, and one pup) and 32 uncollared wolves were documented in the Mexican Wolf Nonessential Experimental Population Zone (MWNEPZ) (note: the six wolves captured during the January 2008 helicopter operation were included as uncollared animals associated with known packs above). Nineteen of the 32 uncollared wolves, including eight pups of the year, were associated with 12 known packs at the end of 2007, six in Arizona and six in New Mexico (Table 1). In addition, there were four known single wolves (all in New Mexico). Approximately 75% of the radio-collared individuals and 90% of all documented wolves were born in the wild. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 7 of 44 AM991 of the Rim Pack died from unknown causes and was replaced via translocation of M1107 in December 2007. Additional pairings in the wild that occurred during 2007 include Dark Canyon, Elk Mountain, Fox Mountain, Hawk’s Nest, and San Mateo. Reports and sign of uncollared wolves led the IFT to first document the Lofer Pack for the 2006 population count. In June 2007, the WMAT IFT radio-collared AF1056 and successfully marked this target group from 2006. Sign of the Coleman Creek group was observed again in 2007. However, this group evaded capture efforts during 2007 and remains an uncollared group that is counted within the minimum population estimate. Reproduction In 2007, seven packs (Aspen, Bluestem, Lofer, Middle Fork, Paradise, Rim, and Saddle) produced wild-conceived, wild-born litters. The IFT documented a minimum of 27 pups born with a minimum of nine surviving in the wild until year-end (Table 1). This marked the sixth year in which wild born wolves bred and raised pups in the wild. Of the 12 known packs at the end of 2007, ten were composed of at least one wild-born wolf and 11 of these pairs formed naturally in the wild. The Saddle and Aspen packs reproduced in 2007 but were removed due to repeated depredations. However, the seven Saddle and three Aspen pups are available for future translocations. Releases and Translocations The IFT conducted one modified soft release translocation of a new pack and three hard release translocations in 2007 to increase genetic diversity and the number of wolves in the wild. On April 12, 2007, the Durango Pack (AM973, AF924) was transported from captivity to the Miller Springs release site in the Wilderness Ranger District of the GNF (Table 2, Fig. 3). The Durango Pack was released from the pen on April 25, 2007. (See Appendix A for detailed summaries of all packs). On November 1, 2007, the IFT translocated Aspen fp1105 and fp1106 from outside the BRWRA boundary to the Whitewater Canyon area in the Black Range Ranger District of the GNF. Both wolves were hard released. On November 25, 2007, the IFT translocated M1107 from outside the BRWRA boundary to the Bear Wallow area in the Clifton Ranger District of the ASNF. M1107 was hard released in the Rim Territory. Home Ranges and Movements The IFT calculated home ranges for 13 packs exhibiting territorial behavior. The MCP method produced an average home range size of 223 mi2 (578 km2), with home ranges varying from 58 mi2 to 674 mi2 (150 km2 to 1746 km2) (Fig. 4, Table 3). Home ranges were not calculated for 12 wolves (M863, F923, M925, M992, f1028, m1038, m1039, f1040, m1041, m1043, m1045, f1048) that dispersed during 2007 (see Appendix A for detailed summaries of these individuals). Mexican wolves occupied 6469 mi2 (16,755 km2) of the Mexican Wolf Nonessential Experimental Zone (MWNEPZ) during 2007 (Fig. 5). Sixty-four percent of the occupied range (4132 mi2 [10,702 km2]) occurred in the BRWRA and 12% of the occupied range (790 mi2 [2046 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 8 of 44 km2]) occurred on the FAIR. Sixteen percent of the occupied range (1053 mi2 (2727 km2) fell outside the BRWRA, FAIR, and SCAR. Eight percent of the occupied range (494 mi2 (1279 km2) occurred on SCAR. In comparison, Mexican wolves occupied 6542 mi2 (16,944 km2) of the MWNEPZ during 2006. Mortality The IFT has documented 53 wolf mortalities since 1998 (Table 4), four of which occurred in 2007 (Table 5). Mortalities in 2007 included: AM991 from unknown causes, M925 from illegal shooting, m1041 from unknown causes, and f1048 from natural causes. This should be considered a minimum estimate of mortalities, since some pups and uncollared wolves die without being documented. Five wolves are “fate unknown” and are not likely to be alive. The number of wolves lethally controlled is covered in the Management Actions section of this report. The IFT monitored 39 individual radio-collared wolves for a total of 9,647 radio days during 2007. A total of 17 radio-collared wolves were considered managed (n = 9), dead (n = 4), or missing (n = 4). The overall survival rate was 0.53, or a corresponding failure rate of 0.47. The overall failure rate was composed of the cattle depredation removal rate (0.22; n = 8), missing radio-collared wolves rate (0.11; n = 4), unknown/natural mortality rate (0.08; n = 3), human caused mortality rate (0.03; n = 1), nuisance removal rate (0.03; n = 1), boundary removal rate (0.00; n = 0), and other removal rate (0.00; n = 0). Winter Predation Study In 2007, the IFT intensively monitored the Aspen, Hawks Nest, Luna, Saddle, and San Mateo packs during the aerial winter survey to determine prey characteristics. Twenty-four flights were conduct between March 1 and March 26. Two flights were cancelled due to weather. A total of 15 carcasses were found, an average of one carcass located every 1.6 flights. One carcass was not accessible for investigation of species, age, and condition. The 14 carcasses investigated included: 11 elk, one domestic cow, one turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and one mule deer (O. hemionus). Age determinations of the elk revealed: two adults, seven calves, and two of undetermined age. The single mule deer located was an adult. Of the 14 carcasses investigated, 11 were confirmed or probable wolf kills, two were possible kills, and one was scavenged. Of the 11 confirmed or probable wolf kills, ten were elk and one was a mule deer. Of the two possible kills, one was a turkey and one was an elk. The single scavenged carcass was a domestic cow, which, as reported by the owner, died of natural causes. In addition, the IFT investigated three carcasses unrelated to the winter survey in 2007. All three carcasses were elk; age determinations revealed one calf, one yearling, and one adult. Of these carcasses, two were confirmed wolf kills and one was a possible wolf kill. Wolf Depredation The 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) predicted 1-34 confirmed killed cattle per year with a population of 100 Mexican wolves. This represents <0.05 % of all cattle present on the range (USFWS 1996). The Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 5-year Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 9 of 44 Review (AMOC and IFT 2005) reported that, between 1998 and 2003, the mean number of cattle confirmed killed per year by wolves was 3.8, which extrapolates to 13.8 cattle killed per year from a population of 100 Mexican wolves. During 2007, USDA-WS members of the IFT completed 128 investigations with potential Mexican wolf involvement. Of these 128 investigations, 112 involved livestock including cattle (n = 87), sheep (n = 14), horses (n = 10), and a donkey (n = 1). In addition, the IFT conducted 16 non-livestock investigations involving dead or injured domestic dogs, chickens, guinea hens, and ducks. Average IFT response time between the reporting of an incident to the initiation of an onsite investigation was <18 hours. Of the 112 individual livestock investigated, 48% (n = 54) were determined to have confirmed, probable, or possible wolf involvement resulting in livestock injury or death, 28% (n = 31) had confirmed or suspected cause of death or injury other than wolf, and 24% (n = 27) were classified as unknown. Forty-nine investigations of livestock fatalities were classified as confirmed (n = 36), probable (n = 3), or possible (n = 10) wolf-caused mortalities (Table 6, Table 7). Also, four confirmed injuries and one possible livestock injury were investigated. Seventy-six percent (n = 37) of the fatality investigations determined to have confirmed, probable, or possible wolf involvement occurred in New Mexico and 24% (n = 12) occurred in Arizona (Table 7). Three of the five IFT investigations involving wolf-caused injuries occurred in Arizona (Table 7). Seven separate mortality causes were identified in the non-wolf related investigations, including: coyote (C. latrans) (n = 7), natural causes (n = 9), suspected plant poisoning (n = 3), black bears (Ursus americanus) (n = 1), lightning (n = 3), accidents (n = 2), and unknown (n = 24). Four separate injury causes were identified in non-wolf related investigations, including: dogs (C. familiarus) (n = 4), black bear (n = 1), accident (n = 1), and unknown (n = 3). Seventy-seven percent (n = 86) of the 112 livestock investigations conducted in 2007 were in response to reports from the public and 23% (n = 26) were initiated by the IFT. In addition, the IFT found and reported 26% (n = 12) of the confirmed, probable, or possible wolf-caused livestock mortalities that occurred during 2007 (Table 7). IFT investigations involved 37 livestock producers as well as the WMAT and the SCAT. The impact of depredations on livestock allotments was not distributed evenly; the majority occurred on four individual allotments or livestock associations. In total, 53% (n = 27) of the 49 confirmed, probable, and possible depredations were caused by two packs (Aspen and Saddle) and a single individual (m1043) (Table 7). These packs and m1043 were permanently removed in 2007 due to repeated depredations. The confirmed killed cattle rate for 2007 extrapolates to 50 depredations/100 wolves using the number of confirmed killed cattle (n = 26; table 7) compared to the 2007 final population count (n = 52). This projected number of depredations was higher than the 1-34 confirmed killed cattle per 100 wolves that were predicted in the FEIS. However, the 2007 final population count did not include the two packs and individual wolves that were removed following excessive depredation incidents (n = 9 adults). In 2007, USDA-WS, in conjunction with other Lead Agencies in the reintroduction project, continued a research study in New Mexico to assess domestic cattle mortality in an area of sympatric carnivores (Mexican wolves, mountain lions (Felis concolor), black bears, and Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 10 of 44 coyotes). 2007 was the fifth year of a proposed five-year carnivore study, with the ultimate goal of identifying methods for reducing livestock mortality and producing data that can be used to develop an alternative compensation program. In 2007, Defenders of Wildlife (Defenders) paid $31,117 to individuals who filed wolf-related depredation claims. Management Actions In 2007, 28 different wolves were captured and/or removed a total of 31 times. Eight were captured, collared, processed, and released on site for routine monitoring purposes (Table 8). The IFT captured two wolves (AM732, AF797) and seven dependent pups (mp1049, mp1050, mp1051, mp1052, fp1053, fp1054, fp1055) from the Saddle Pack and removed them to captivity after confirmed involvement in three depredation incidents (Table 8). After six confirmed depredation incidents, m1043 was captured and removed to captivity. Continuous nuisance behavior led to f1028’s capture and removal to captivity. Due to persistence outside the BRWRA boundary, fp1105 and fp1106 were captured and translocated in New Mexico. The IFT captured six wolves (AM863, AF667, f1046, fp1105, fp1106, fp1108) from the Aspen Pack and removed them to captivity after confirmed multiple depredations. M1107 was captured and translocated to Arizona after persistence outside of the BRWRA. In addition, three wolves (AF924, AM796, M1007) were lethally removed after confirmed involvement in three or more depredation incidents. Of 17 wolves captured and placed in captivity in 2007, six were permanently removed. Eleven wolves removed to temporary captivity remain available for translocation (fp1105, fp1106, fp1108, f1028, mp1049, mp1050, mp1051, mp1052, fp1053, fp1054, fp1055); one was translocated and remains in the wild (M1107). In response to several depredation incidents involving an uncollared wolf in the Paradise Pack territory, the IFT erected turbo fladry fencing around the perimeter of a sheep pasture. There were no further depredation incidences within the perimeter of the turbo fladry. The IFT conducted management actions in response to 12 cases of recurring nuisance wolf behavior in 2007 (Table 9). Most nuisance reports involved wolves near people or residences. Nine of the 12 nuisance reports were caused by two wolves. After repeated hazing efforts were unsuccessful, and as a result of a foot injury, one wolf (f1028) was captured, placed in captivity with a potential mate, and is available for translocation. The other wolf (AM973) disappeared and its fate is unknown. Non-IFT Wolf Sighting Reports In 2007, the IFT received a total of 113 wolf sighting reports from the public (Appendix B). These reports included: 74 from Arizona, 39 from New Mexico, one from California, one from Georgia, and one from Texas. The IFT determined 22 reports were sightings of known wolves within established territories (Arizona n = 17, New Mexico n = 5), three reports were likely uncollared/unknown wolves (Arizona n = 2, New Mexico n = 1), 33 reports were non-wolf sightings (coyote, dogs, etc.), and 55 reports did not have enough information to make a determination. To report a sighting of a Mexican wolf, please call 1-888-459-WOLF (9653). The public is encouraged to report Mexican wolf sightings to help the IFT locate undocumented packs and track movements of wolves within and around the BRWRA. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 11 of 44 Uncollared wolf sign The IFT used uncollared wolf sign and sighting reports to target ten core areas (Fig. 6) in an effort to document and/or radio collar unknown wolves in and around the BRWRA. During 2007, the IFT searched a total of 2252 mi (3624 km) of roads and trails. The IFT captured and radio collared a previously unknown wolf on the FAIR, which led to confirmation of what was subsequently named the Lofer Pack (Fig. 4). The IFT documented three groups of uncollared wolves in Arizona: one on the SCAR, one in Coleman Creek, and one in Auger Canyon (Fig. 7). Three single wolves and one group of two wolves were documented in New Mexico (Fig. 7). Outreach The IFT revised and updated the draft Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project Outreach Plan in January 2007. The plan provides an outline of activities that AMOC and the IFT will use to inform various target audiences about the reintroduction project and stimulate productive dialogue between stakeholders and cooperating agencies. The outreach plan was then incorporated into the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team 2008 Annual Work Plan, which describes and prioritizes activities the IFT will conduct in 2008. The IFT and other project personnel gave 50 presentations and status reports to approximately 2955 people in federal and state agencies, conservation groups, rural communities, guide/outfitter organizations, schools, fairs, festivals, wildlife workshops, and various other public and private institutions throughout Arizona, New Mexico and White Mountain Apache Tribal lands, 52% of which were to the BRWRA target audience. These include IFT presentations at quarterly Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG) meetings. In addition, 3356 weekly contacts were made to cooperating agencies and stakeholders and Endangered Species Updates containing current project and recovery program information went out to an average of 6000 persons a month during 2007. Also, as part of the National Environmental Policy Act review process, USFWS conducted 12 scoping meetings (6 in Arizona, 6 in New Mexico) during 2007 and received approximately 12,000 comments. Presentations can be scheduled by contacting the IFT at 1-888-459-9653. At available USFS kiosks and various road pull-outs in the BRWRA, the IFT maintained metal signs and laminated posters that provide information on how to minimize conflicts with wolves at USFS kiosks and road pull-outs in the BRWRA. In addition, at the request of Congressman S. Pearce (R-NM), 7500 wallet-size cards listing wolf encounter safety tips were printed and distributed to hunters and campers in the BRWRA. The IFT also replaced USFWS reward posters at USFS kiosks and local businesses in the BRWRA as necessary, to provide notice of a $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of individuals responsible for illegal Mexicana wolf killings. Summary The 2007 end-of-year count confirmed 20 radio-collared (14 adults, five subadults, and one pup) and 32 uncollared wolves, including documented uncollared singles and groups. The population consisted of 12 packs (six in Arizona and six in New Mexico) and four single wolves in New Mexico. There are likely more undocumented, free-ranging wolves in the population, but most of Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 12 of 44 these are likely single animals, as a wolf pack usually leaves more sign and its existence is easier to document. The IFT conducted three translocations, involving a total of five wolves, during 2007. However, only one of these wolves remained in the wild at year’s end. Seven packs produced wild-conceived, wild-born litters. This marks the sixth year that wild-born Mexican wolves bred and raised pups in the wild. In addition, approximately 90% of the documented wolves in the BRWRA were wild-born. The IFT documented four mortalities of free-ranging wolves in 2007, including two adults and two subadults. Home ranges were calculated for 13 packs, producing an average home range size of 223 mi2 (578 km2), with home ranges varying in size from 58 mi2 to 674 mi2 (150 km2 to 1746 km2). Native prey used by wolves consisted primarily of elk. However, during 2007 there were also 36 confirmed, three probable, and ten possible livestock depredations. The IFT also attributed four confirmed livestock injuries and one possible livestock injury to wolves. In addition wolves killed one dog and injured three others. The IFT captured 28 wolves a total of 31 times for cattle depredations (n = 19) plus three lethal control actions and the removal of seven dependent pups, routine monitoring (n = 11), persistence outside the BRWRA boundary (n = 3), nuisance behavior and injury (n = 1). Of the 18 wolves captured and placed in captivity in 2007, six were permanently removed and 12 retained the possibility of future translocation. The IFT analyzed 113 reports of wolf sightings from the public; 29% of these reports were nonwolf sightings (coyote, dogs, deer, etc.), 20% were sightings of known wolves within established territories, 3% were likely uncollared/unknown wolves, and the remainder was categorized as unknown due to insufficient information. In response to these sightings, the IFT searched 2252 mi (3624 km) of roads, trails, and canyons in 2007 looking for unknown wolves in and around the BRWRA. As a result, the IFT was successful in documenting one pack and one pair of previously unknown or uncollared wolves and three single animals in 2007 through increased field search efforts. Project personnel gave 62 presentations and status reports to more than 15,832 people in federal and state agencies, conservation groups, rural and urban communities, guide/outfitter organizations, livestock associations, schools, fairs, and various other public and private institutions. In addition, 3356 weekly contacts were made to cooperating agencies and stakeholders. Endangered Species Updates containing current project and recovery program information went out to an average of 6000 persons a month. The IFT acknowledges the assistance of all agency personnel and volunteers who provided data and support services for the operational field portion of the Mexican wolf reintroduction project during this reporting period. Individuals listed in Appendix C collected data or provided other information for this report. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 13 of 44 Discussion The IFT documented a decrease in the Mexican wolf population during 2007 from approximately 59 wolves in 2006 to a minimum population of 52 wolves in 2007 (Table 1, Fig. 8). In addition, the number of breeding pairs decreased from a minimum of seven breeding pairs in 2006 to a minimum of four in 2007 (Table 1, Fig. 4). The total number of pups that were alive at the end of the year was lower than the previous year, due in part to the removal of the Saddle Pack, the Aspen Pack, the San Mateo alpha male, and the Durango alpha female. However, the number of mortalities decreased from six in 2006 to four in 2007 (Table 4). Furthermore, the wolf population displayed encouraging signs with three new packs forming naturally (Dark Canyon, Elk Mountain, Fox Mountain) and two new pairings after the lost of an alpha (Hawks Nest, San Mateo). Wildborn wolves (Middle Fork, Paradise, Rim) also successfully reproduced. Fuller et al. (2003) identified a 0.34 mortality rate as the inflection point of wolf populations, based on meta-analysis of gray wolf literature. Theoretically, wolf populations below a 0.34 mortality rate would increase naturally, and wolf populations above a 0.34 mortality rate would decrease. The Mexican wolf population had an overall failure (mortality plus removal) rate of 0.47 in 2007, which is too high for natural (unassisted) population growth. This suggests the project must reduce management related losses (e.g. removals) and/or release and/or translocate more wolves in 2008 to provide for desired population increase. In response to higher than predicted depredation rates, the number of wolves removed following depredations was equal to the most removals since the start of the project in 1998 (n = 19; Fig. 9). The 2007 confirmed killed cattle rate extrapolates to approximately 50 depredations/100 wolves using the number of confirmed killed cattle (n = 26) compared to the final 2007 population count (n = 52). This projected number of depredations was higher than the 1-34 confirmed killed cattle per 100 wolves predicted in the FEIS. It is important to note that the standard for extrapolating the annual confirmed killed cattle rate/100 wolves uses the end of year population count, which does not include wolves removed during the year due to excessive livestock depredation incidents. Wolves not counted in the end-of-year population count, due to being removed from the wild, accounted for 57% (n = 15) of the 26 confirmed killed cattle and were caused by two packs. The IFT has continued to respond to and resolve major conflicts including livestock depredations and nuisance wolves. Such responsive management of depredating wolves should help to reduce the overall confirmed killed cattle rate next year. Aggressive removal actions in response to depredations, nuisance, and boundary issues may exceed growth from natural recruitment, translocations, and initial releases in a given year. Nonetheless, a combination of initial releases, translocations, natural pair formations, and reproduction in 2008 should result in an increase in the Mexican wolf population. The Project management objective for 2008 is a 10% increase in the minimum wolf population counts and/or the addition of at least one breeding pair, while minimizing negative impacts of wolves. Critical suggested changes to the Mexican wolf reintroduction project are outlined in the Five Year Review. The IFT and AMOC will continue to work on implementing these improvements in 2008. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 14 of 44 Literature Cited Bangs, EE, SH Fritts, JA Fontaine, DW Smith, KM Murphy, CM Mack, and CC Niemeyer. 1998. Status of gray wolf restoration in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:785-798. Heisey, DM and TK Fuller. 1985. Evaluation of survival and cause-specific mortality rates using telemetry data. Journal of Wildlife Management 49:668-674. Hooge, PN, W Eichenlaub, and E Solomon. 1999. The animal movement program. USGS. Alaska Biological Science Center. Fuller, TK, LD Mech, and JF Cochrane. 2003. Wolf population dynamics. Pages 161-191 in L. D. Mech and L. Boitani, editors. Wolves: behavior, ecology, and conservation. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Adaptive Management Oversight Committee and Interagency Field Team. 2005. Mexican wolf Blue Range reintroduction project 5-year review. USFWS, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Paquet, PC, J Vucetich, ML Phillips, and L Vuetich. 2001. Mexican wolf recovery: three year program review and assessment. Prepared by the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. USA. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Final environmental impact statement for the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf within its historic range in the southwestern United States. USFWS, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. The final Mexican wolf experimental rule. 63 Federal Register. Pp 1763-1772. White, GC and RA Garrott. 1990. Analysis of wildlife radio-tracking data. Academic Press Incorporated, New York, New York, USA. Table 1. Status of Mexican wolf packs present in 2007 in Arizona and New Mexico, as of December 31, 2007. Pack f Wolf ID AM512 , AF667 , AM863g, f1046g, fp1105i, fp1106i, fp1108i AM990 AM806, AF521, m1041g, f1042, fp1113d AM992, AF923 AM973g, AF924g, f1047g AM1045, AF1112d AM1038, AF1111d AM619, AF1110d AF1056 AM583 AM871, AF861, f1115d AM795, m1044 AM991g, AF858, f1048g,M1107, fp1104, AM732g, AF797g, m1007g, f1016g mp1049i, mp1050i, mp1051i, mp1052i, fp1053i, fp1054i, fp1055i AM796g, AF903, AM1114d M925g, f1028i, m1039h, f1040g, m1043g uncollared wolves uncollared wolves uncollared wolf uncollared wolf uncollared wolf uncollared wolves N/A N/A g Aspen Bacho Bluestem* Dark Canyon Durangof Elk Mountain Fox Mountain Hawks Nest Lofer Luna Middle Fork* Paradise* Rim* Saddlef San Mateo Single wolves Coleman Creek, AZ Auger Canyon, AZ Musick Canyon, NM Gordon Canyon, NM Keller Canyon, NM Aldo Leopold, NM Uncollared WMAT Uncollared SCAT Totals a g Reproductiona 4 Pups at Year Endb No. Collared 0 0 No. Uncollared 0 Min Pack Sizec 0 N/Ae 3 0 4 0 0 0 N/Ae 0 2 2 3 N/Ae 3 0 0 0 0 0 N/Ae 0 2 2 2 N/Ae 3 2 0 1 1 1 N/Ae 1 2 2 3 N/Ae 3 0 0 1 1 1 N/Ae 3 3 3 1 N/Ae 6 2 0 2 2 2 N/Ae 4 5 5 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 1 0 4 2 1 1 1 2 N/Ae N/Ae 32 0 2 1 4 2 1 1 1 2 N/Ae N/Ae 52 Reproduction-maximum number of pups documented in 2007. Pups at year end-pups documented surviving until December 31, 2007. c Min pack size-total number of wolves (collared, uncollared, pups) documented at year end. d AF1110, AF1111, AF1112, fp1113, AM1114, f1115 were captured and assigned studbook numbers in January 2008 but considered uncollared wolves on 12/31/07. e Wolf numbers on WMAT and SCAT lands are proprietary and therefore not displayed. f Pack considered defunct due to lost collars, dispersal, removal or death. g Died, fate unknown, or permanently removed during 2007. h Remain in the wild, no longer associated with defunct pack. i Removed from the wild, remains in captivity, available for future translocation. *A pack that meets the definition of a breeding pair per the final rule. b Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 16 of 44 Table 2. Mexican wolves translocated from captivity or the wild in Arizona and New Mexico during January 1 – December 31, 2007. Wolf Pack Durango Durango Aspen Aspen Single Wolf # AM973 AF924 fp1105 fp1106 M1107 Release Site Miller Springs, NM Miller Springs, NM Whitewater Canyon, NM Whitewater Canyon, NM Bear Wallow Area, AZ Release Date 4-25-07 4-25-07 11-1-07 11-1-07 11-25-07 Table 3. Home range sizes of free-ranging Mexican wolf packs in Arizona and New Mexico, January 1 – December 31, 2007. Pack/Group Aspen Bacho Bluestem Dark Canyon Durango Hawks Nest Lofer Luna Middle Fork Paradise Rim Saddle San Mateo Averagea a Home Range Size 95% Min. Convex Polygon mi2 (km2) 382 (989) 78(202) 377 (976) 65 (168) 58 (150) 127 (329) 141 (365) 255 (660) 65 (168) 302 (782) 113 (293) 268 (694) 674 (1746) 223(578) Number of Independent Aerial Locations 104 44 69 21 32 69 21 71 57 79 82 56 73 60 Duration of Time Radio Locations were Available during 2007 11 months 12 months 12 months 5 months 6 months 12 months 6 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 5 months 12 months 10 months Averages were based on packs with enough locations to calculate home ranges. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 17 of 44 Table 4. Wild Mexican wolf mortalities documented in Arizona and New Mexico, 1998-2007. Mortality Cause 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Totals Illegal shooting 4 0 1 4 3 7 1 3 0 1 24 Vehicle collision 0 1 2 1 0 4 1 0 1 0 10 Natural a 0 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 8 b Other 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 c Unknown 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 2 8 Annual Total 5 3 4 9 3 12 3 4 6 4 53 a Includes wolves lost to predation, disease, whelping complications, and asphyxiation (snake bite). b Includes non-IFT legal shootings and capture related mortality. c Includes wolf mortalities awaiting necropsies and mortalities from unknown causes. Table 5. Mexican wolf mortalities documented in Arizona and New Mexico during January 1 December 31, 2007. Wolf ID AM991 M925 m1041 f1048 Pack Rim Single Single Rim Age (years) 2 2 1 1.5 Date Found 4-24-07 5-9-07 6-6-07 10-21-07 Cause of Death Unknown Illegal shooting Unknown Natural Table 6. Mexican wolf depredations of livestock documented in Arizona and New Mexico during January 1 – December 31, 2007. Fatal Injury Confirmed 36 4 Probable 3 0 Possible 10 1 Total 49 5 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 18 of 44 Table 7. Investigations of Mexican wolf-caused confirmed, probable, and possible depredation and injuries to cattle, sheep, horses, and dogs during 2007 in New Mexico and Arizona. Depredation incidents are defined within SOP 13.0 as the aggregate number of livestock confirmed killed or mortally wounded by an individual wolf or a single pack of wolves at a single location within a 1-day (24-hour) period, beginning with the first confirmed kill, as documented in the initial IFT incident investigation pursuant to SOP 11.0. Number of depredation incidents on a given wolf at a given point in time is calculated based on the number of incidents in the preceding 365 days. 1 Wolves in Area Investigation Date Located By IFT Species State Killed/ Injured Call Wolves Responsible Depredation Incident? No. of Incidents 667, 1046 6/29/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 667,1046 YES 2 12/27/07 NO Cattle AZ Killed Confirmed 06/06/07 NO Cattle NM Killed 3 795, uncollared 863 4 863 06/27/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 863 YES 2 5 992 04/11/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 992 YES 1 Trapped 992 6 992 05/16/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 992 YES 2 Monitoring 7 1043 05/21/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 1 8 1043 06/22/07 NO Sheep AZ Injured Confirmed 1043 YES 0 9 1043 07/07/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 2 10 1043 07/07/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 NO 2a 11 1043 07/16/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 3 12 1043 07/16/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 NO 3a 13 1043 07/16/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 4 2 YES 1 Confirmed 795 and uncollared 863 YES 1 Management Action Monitoring, supplemental feeding Searched area for trapping opportunity Monitoring Monitoring, supplemental feeding Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry, supplemental feeding, permanent removal order Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry, supplemental feeding, permanent removal order Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry, supplemental feeding, permanent removal order Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 19 of 44 Wolves in Area Investigation Date Located By IFT Species State Killed/ Injured Call Wolves Responsible Depredation Incident? No. of Incidents 14 1043 07/20/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 5 15 1043 08/4/07 NO Sheep AZ Killed Confirmed 1043 YES 6 16 19 1048 1048 1048 1048 04/23/07 04/23/07 04/24/07 04/24/07 NO NO NO NO Cattle Cattle Cattle Cattle AZ AZ AZ AZ Injured Killed Injured Killed Confirmed Probable Confirmed Probable 1048 1048 1048 1048 NO NO NO NO 0 0 0 0 20 1056 12/06/07 NO Cattle AZ Killed Confirmed 1056 YES 1 21 Aspen 01/09/07 NO Horse NM Killed Confirmed 512, 667, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1046 YES 1 863, 667, 1046, 1105, 1106, 1108 YES 3- 863, 667, 1046 1 – 1105, 1106, 1108 YES 4 YES 5 YES 6 NO 0 17 18 22 Aspen 10/15/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 23 Aspen 10/21/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 24 Aspen 10/31/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 25 Aspen 11/02/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 26 Aspen 11/02/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Probable N/A YES NO 863, 667, 1046 863, 667, 1046 863, 667, 1046 27 Aspen 11/24/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 667, 1046, 1105, 1106, 1108 28 Aspen 11/25/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 667, 1046, 1105, 1106, 1108 7 – 667, 1046 2 – 1105, 1106, 1108 7 – 667, 1046 2 – 1105, 1106, 1108a Management Action Hazing/monitoring, turbo fladry, supplemental feeding, permanent removal order Permanent removal 1043 (captivity) Attempted trapping Attempted trapping Attempted trapping Trapped 1048 Searched area for trapping opportunity Hazing/monitoring, RAG boxes Permanent removal order for 863 and 1046 Permanent removal 863 (captivity) Permanent removal order for 863 and 1046 Permanent removal order for entire pack Permanent removal order for entire pack Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 20 of 44 Wolves in Area Investigation Date Located By IFT Species State Killed/ Injured Call Wolves Responsible Depredation Incident? 29 Aspen 11/27/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 667, 1046, 1105, 1108 YES 30 Durango 06/29/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 924, 973 YES 1 - 973 3 - 924 Permanent removal 924 (Lethal) 31 Durango 06/29/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 924, 973 NO 1 - 973 3 - 924 Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 Permanent removal 924 (Lethal) Searched area for trapping opportunity 32 Saddle 01/31/07 YES 33 Saddle 02/12/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 732, 797, 1007, 1016 YES 3- 732, 797, 1007 2 - 1016 34 Saddle 04/01/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 732, 797 YES 3 35 Saddle 04/13/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 732, 797 NO 3a 36 Saddle 05/07/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 732,797 YES 4 37 San Mateo 01/31/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 903, 796 YES 38 San Mateo 04/9/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed 903 YES 1 – 903 3 - 796 2 39 Unknown 01/28/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 40 Unknown 01/28/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 41 Unknown 01/31/07 NO Dog NM Killed Confirmed N/A NO 0 42 Unknown 02/02/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 43 Unknown 02/02/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed N/A YES 1b 44 Unknown 02/23/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed N/A YES 1b 45 Unknown 02/23/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 46 Unknown 02/26/07 NO Dog AZ Injured Confirmed N/A NO 0 No. of Incidents 8 – 667, 1046 3 – 1105, 1108 Management Action Permanent removal 667, 1046 (captivity) Temporary removal 1105, 1106, 1108 (captivity) Permanent removal 1007 (Lethal) Permanent removal 732, 797 (captivity) Permanent removal 732, 797 (captivity) Permanent removal 732, 797 (captivity) Permanent removal 796 (Lethal) Monitoring Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Owner given cracker Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 21 of 44 Wolves in Area Investigation Date Located By IFT Species State Killed/ Injured Call Wolves Responsible Depredation Incident? No. of Incidents 47 Unknown 03/01/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 48 Unknown 03/23/07 NO Dog NM Injured Confirmed N/A NO 0 49 Unknown 03/29/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 50 Unknown 03/30/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed N/A YES 1b 51 Unknown 04/03/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 52 Unknown 04/03/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 53 Unknown 04/06/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Possible N/A NO 0 54 Unknown 05/02/07 NO Cattle NM Killed Confirmed N/A YES 1b 55 Unknown 05/03/07 NO Dog AZ Injured Confirmed N/A NO 0 56 Unknown 06/18/07 NO Cattle NM Injured Confirmed N/A NO 0 57 Unknown 07/05/07 NO Horse NM Injured Possible N/A NO 0 58 Unknown 11/06/07 YES Cattle NM Killed Confirmed N/A YES 1b a b No depredation incident was assigned. Livestock was killed within the same 24 hour period as the preceding entry. Depredation incident was assigned to uncollared animal(s). Management Action shells Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Working with owner to install fencing Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Searched area for trapping opportunity Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 22 of 44 Table 8. Mexican wolves captured in Arizona and New Mexico from January 1 – December 31, 2007. Pack Wolf ID Capture Date Paradise m1045 1/16/2007 Helicopter capture, collared and released. Paradise AM795 1/16/2007 Helicopter capture, re-collared and released. Saddle f1016 1/18/2007 Helicopter capture, collared and released. Aspen f1046 1/23/2007 Helicopter capture, collared and released. Luna fp1047 1/23/2007 Helicopter capture, collared and released. San Mateo AM796 2/20/2007 Lethally removed for three depredations. Saddle M1007 3/16/2007 Lethally removed for three depredation incidents. Rim f1048 4/25/2007 Saddle AM732 5/26/2007 Saddle AF797 6/1/2007 Saddle mp1049 6/1/2007 Saddle mp1050 6/1/2007 Saddle mp1051 6/1/2007 Saddle mp1052 6/1/2007 Saddle fp1053 6/1/2007 Saddle fp1054 6/1/2007 Saddle fp1055 6/1/2007 Lofer AF1056 6/23/2007 Single f1028 6/28/2007 Durango AF924 7/5/2008 Reason for Capture Routine monitoring purposes. Captured, collared and released on site. Trapped and permanently removed for three or more depredations. Trapped and permanently removed for three or more depredations. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Removed with alpha female, but available for future translocation. Routine monitoring purposes. Captured, collared and released on site. Temporarily removed for injury and nuisance behavior, but available for future translocation. Lethally removed for multiple depredation incidents. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Pack Wolf ID Rim m1043 Rim f1104 Aspen AM863 Aspen f1105 Aspen f1106 Aspen f1106 Single M1107 Aspen AF667 Aspen f1046 Aspen f1105 Aspen f1108 Capture Date Final: June 2008 Page 23 of 44 Reason for Capture Trapped and permanently removed for three or more 8/17/2007 depredations. Routine monitoring purposes. Captured, collared and 10/19/2007 released on site. Trapped and permanently removed for three or more 11/1/2007 depredations. Trapped outside the BRWRA. Captured, collared and 11/1/2007 translocated. Trapped outside the BRWRA. Captured, collared and 11/1/2007 translocated. Trapped outside the BRWRA and moved to captivity 11/26/2007 for depredations but available for future translocation. Trapped outside the BRWRA. Captured, collared and 11/26/2007 translocated. Captured and permanently removed for three or more 12/4/2007 depredations. Captured and permanently removed for three or more 12/4/2007 depredations. Captured and temporarily removed for depredations, 12/4/2007 but available for future translocation. Captured and temporarily removed for depredations, 12/4/2007 but available for future translocation. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 24 of 44 Table 9. IFT management actions resulting from recurring Mexican wolf nuisance activities in Arizona and New Mexico during 2007. Wolf Pack or # General Location 2/24/2007 Uncollared Beaver Creek, AZ 3/21/2007 f1028 Alpine Divide, AZ 3/22/07 – 6/03/07 f1028 Alpine Divide, Alpine Valley, AZ 6/4/2007 f1028 Alpine Valley, AZ 6/4/07 – 6/24/07 Date Type of Activity IFT Response Management Result Dog interactions (noninjurious), and proximity to residences Duck interaction (fatal), proximity to residences Close proximity to Alpine, AZ / Hwy 191/180, seen with leg injury Investigated, searched for additional wolf sign to trap (none found) IFT issued cracker shells for hazing to landowner No wolves in area, no trapping, nuisance behavior ended Intensive monitoring and hazing Wolf left the residence, but remained in the area Intensive monitoring Wolf remained in the area Duck interaction (fatal), proximity to residences Intensive monitoring and hazing Wolf remained in the area f1028 Alpine Divide, Alpine Valley, AZ Close proximity to Alpine, AZ / Hwy 191/180, seen with leg injury; Intensive monitoring and hazing Wolf remained in the area 6/25/2007 f1028 Alpine Valley, AZ Duck interaction (fatal), proximity to residences Trapping for temporary removal and possible veterinary treatment Trapped and removed on 6/28/07 9/10/07 – 9/25/07 Durango Indian Peaks, NM Close proximity to residence Investigated, searched for wolf sign, intensive monitoring, hazing on public land Wolves left the immediate area, but remained in the general vicinity 9/30/07 – 10/9/07 Durango Corduroy Canyon, NM Close proximity to residence, food reward Intensive monitoring from public land Wolves left the immediate area, but remained in the general vicinity 10/15/07 – 10/28/07 Durango Indian Peaks, NM Close proximity to residence Intensive monitoring and hazing from public land Wolves remained in the general vicinity 11/1/2007 Durango Indian Peaks, NM Close proximity to residence Intensive monitoring and hazing efforts conducted Wolves Fate Unknown 11/24/2007 Uncollared Glenwood, NM Close proximity to Community Center Searched area for wolf sign Wolf remained in the area 11/29/2007 Uncollared Glenwood, NM Close proximity to School Trapping, Intensive searching of area for wolf sign Nuisance behavior ended Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 25 of 44 Figure 1. The Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area and Mexican wolf nonessential experimental zone (cross-hatched area) in Arizona and New Mexico. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 26 of 44 Figure 2. Counties that occur in or adjacent to the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in Arizona and New Mexico. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 27 of 44 Figure 3. Translocation sites used during 2007 in Arizona and New Mexico within the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 28 of 44 Figure 4. Mexican wolf home ranges for 2007 in Arizona and New Mexico. The shaded polygons and corresponding numbers on the map represent wolves having >20 independent radio locations and exhibiting movement characteristics consistent with a home range during 2007. See the following page for information regarding the wolf packs and home ranges. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 29 of 44 Figure 4. Continued. Map Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wolf Pack or Wolf ID Paradise Hawks Nest Bluestem Rim Coleman Creek San Mateo Dark Canyon Luna Saddle Middle Fork Aspen Durango Lofer Bacho Number of Wolves 5 2 6 4 4 2 2 4 0 5 0 0 NAb NAb Wolf Fate at the End of 2007 Free-ranging Free-ranging Free-ranging Free-ranging Uncollared free-ranging Free-ranging Free-ranging Free-ranging Permanent Removal Free-ranging Permanent Removal Fate Unknown Free-ranging Free-ranging Breeding Pair Status Yes No Yes Yes Unknown No No No No Yes No No No No Home Range Size (mi2) 302 127 377 113 Unknown 674 65 255 268 65 382 58 NAb NAb a <20 independent aerial locations were available for these packs therefore, no home ranges were calculated. b Wolf information (including numbers and home ranges) on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and the San Carlos Apache Reservation is proprietary and is not displayed. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 30 of 44 Figure 5. Mexican wolf occupied range in Arizona and New Mexico within the Mexican Wolf Nonessential Experimental Zone as defined in the Final Rule (USFWS 1998). Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 31 of 44 Figure 6. Areas searched and corresponding miles searched (driven or hiked) for uncollared wolf sign in Arizona and New Mexico. Search areas corresponding to “map numbers” as follows: Map Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Search Area Auger Canyon Northern Gila National Forest Coleman Creek – Maness Area Tularosa Mountains Glenwood Rainy Mesa O Bar O Mountains Indian Peaks Area Gila Wilderness Lake Roberts Total Grand Total for AZ and NM Miles Searched in AZ 187 0 532 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 719 Miles Searched in NM 0 618 60 128 323 54 46 89 52 223 1533 2252 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 32 of 44 Figure 7. Uncollared wolves documented and counted in the 2007 wolf population in Arizona and New Mexico. Final: June 2008 Page 33 of 44 20 07 20 06 20 05 20 04 20 03 20 02 20 01 20 00 19 99 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 19 98 No. of Wolves Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Year Figure 8. Mexican wolf minimum population estimates from 1998 through 2007 in Arizona and New Mexico. 70 60 No.Wolves 50 40 30 20 10 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year Min. Population Wolves Released Wolves Removed Mortalities Figure 9. Mexican wolf population estimates and associated population parameters. Wolves released included: translocations (wolves re-released from captivity back into the wild) and initial releases (wolves with no wild experience). Lethal control of wolves was counted within the wolves removed figures because they are associated with management actions. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 34 of 44 Appendix A. 2007 Pack and Single Wolf Summaries. Pack Summaries Aspen Pack (AM512, AF667, mp1038, mp1039, fp1040, fp1046) In January 2007, the Aspen Pack consisted of AM512, AF667, mp1038, mp1039, fp1040 and fp1046. On January 9, 2007, the Aspen Pack killed a horse in Grant County, New Mexico. During the annual population count and helicopter operation, the IFT attempted to capture and remove AM512 but was unsuccessful. On January 23, the only uncollared wolf observed with the radio-collared wolves, a 53-pound female pup (fp1046), was captured and fitted with a radio collar. Following the unsuccessful capture of AM512, the IFT intensively hazed the Aspen Pack through late-February at the residence of the January 9 incident. The pack then moved into the Gila Wilderness and removal efforts for AM512 were suspended. On January 26, residents observed a single uncollared wolf, likely AM512, from approximately 300-400 yards away. No further interactions occurred. This was the last known observation of AM512; its fate remains unknown. During April-October 2007, the IFT located m1038, m1039, and f1040 separate from the pack, but within traditional Aspen Pack territory. Aspen Pack (AM863, AF667, f1046, fp1105, fp1106, fp1108) On February 14, the Aspen Pack moved north and single M863 joined it. During April and May, the IFT detected denning behavior based on aerial telemetry locations of AF667. Following a depredation incident in June, the IFT commenced supplemental feeding to deter additional depredations. Supplemental feeding continued though October 7. During early August 2007, a ranch hand observed four pups with the Aspen Pack. Throughout October and November, the Aspen Pack was located on private land outside the BRWRA boundary. Following five depredation incidents, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for AM863 and f1046 (Table 7). On November 1, the IFT captured three wolves (AM863, fp1105, fp1106) of the Aspen Pack. AM863 was moved to captivity per the removal order. Both fp1105 and fp1106 were translocated back inside the BRWRA boundary, seven mi southwest from the depredation incident location and released near the den area. On November 26, fp1106 was captured for a second time outside the BRWRA boundary and moved to captivity for management purposes. On November 28, following an eighth depredation incident, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for the remaining Aspen Pack members. On December 4, Aspen Pack members (AF667, f1046, fp1105, fp1108) were removed during a helicopter capture, thereby completing the removal order; AF667 and f1046 were permanently moved to captivity. The three pups (fp1105, fp1106, fp1108) remain eligible for future release. The Aspen Pack is now considered defunct. Therefore, per the definition in the Final Rule, the Aspen Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. Bluestem Pack (AM806, AF521, mp1041, fp1042, fp1113) In January 2007, the Bluestem Pack consisted of seven wolves; four with functioning radio collars (AM806, AF521, mp1041, fp1042) and three uncollared individuals, which were observed during the helicopter population survey. Throughout January, the IFT located AM806, formerly of the Meridian Pack, with AF521. On the February 5 telemetry flight, the IFT located f1028 with the pack. On the February 20 telemetry flight, the IFT observed seven wolves, but f1028 was not among them. In March, m1041 and f1042 began making dispersal movements. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 35 of 44 The IFT located m1041 in the northwestern portion of the BRWRA in the GNF and f1042 in the San Mateo Pack territory. From April to September, the IFT located the Bluestem Pack in the central portion of the ASNF and on the FAIR. During August, the IFT observed two pups with this pack. On November 28, the IFT had a visual observation of three Bluestem pups. Throughout 2007, Bluestem continued to use the same territory as in previous years on the ASNF and the FAIR. As of December 2007, the Bluestem Pack was confirmed to consist of six animals including AF521, AM806, f1042, fp1113 and two uncollared wolves. Therefore, the Bluestem Pack was confirmed as a “Breeding Pair” per the definition in the Final Rule. No confirmed depredations, removals or translocations involving the Bluestem Pack occurred in 2007. Dark Canyon Pack (AM992, AF923) The Dark Canyon Pack was newly formed, consisting of AM992 and AF923. On June 18, the IFT located AM992 and AF923 together in the GNF. On July 2, the IFT located AM992 within 10 mi of single AF923 in the central portion of the GNF and in the vicinity of the Luna Pack. Throughout August to December, the IFT located AM992 and AF923 together in the southwest and central portions of the GNF. The Dark Canyon Pack formed after the breeding season and did not produce pups. Therefore, per the definition in the Final Rule, the Dark Canyon Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. Durango Pack (AM973, AF924, uncollared pup, f1047) On April 12, the Durango Pack (AM973 and AF924) was mule-packed to the Miller Springs translocation site and placed in a soft-release pen. AF924 was pregnant and the best estimates suggested she would whelp around April 27. Therefore, the IFT turned off the electric fence and opened up one side of the pen on April 25. During the aerial telemetry flight on May 1, the IFT located the pair over 30 mi northeast of their translocation site in an area where AF924 had previously been removed. The IFT documented denning behavior in this pack. Following a depredation incident in June, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for AF924 (Table 7). On July 5, the IFT lethally removed AF924 for three depredation incidents within a 365-day period. The IFT established a supplemental food cache near the den site to assist AM973 in feeding the pups and to help prevent subsequent depredation incidents. Throughout August, the IFT located AM973 in the northeastern portion of the GNF. On August 5, the IFT observed two pups, approximately 13-weeks old, with AM973. Later in August, a trail camera captured an image of one pup and AM973. Throughout September and October, the IFT located AM973 in the northeastern portion of the GNF. During September, a permittee located tracks near a residence. Since the tracks likely belonged to AM973, the IFT went to the area on several occasions to haze the wolf from the area. They were not able to locate the wolf. During October, a permittee located tracks and scat near a residence. Again the tracks likely belonged to AM973. As a result, the IFT reinitiated hazing efforts (Table 9). In October, the IFT located AM973 with f1047, formerly of the Luna Pack, in the northeastern portion of the GNF. Since November 1, the IFT has been unable to locate AM973 and f1047 in their traditional territory. The Durango Pack is considered fate unknown. Per the definition in the Final Rule, the Durango Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 36 of 44 Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486, f1110) In January 2007, the Hawks Nest Pack consisted of AM619 and two other wolves, one of which was likely AF486 with a non-functional radio collar. Throughout the year, the Hawks Nest Pack remained in its traditional home range in the northern portion of the ASNF. On March 16 and 23 telemetry flights, the IFT observed AM619 with another wolf, assumed to be AF486. On June 4, a GPS collar was returned to the IFT by a USFS employee. The collar had been fitted on AF486 on January 18, 2006. On June 11, during the aerial telemetry flight, the IFT observed one wolf, determined to be AM619 based on radio telemetry signals. The IFT documented possible denning behavior in this pack. On August 12, the IFT observed AM619 and two uncollared wolves, one believed to be AF486. Three wolves were documented until the January 2008 helicopter operation, when only AM619 and one uncollared wolf were observed. It is believed that AF486 is now deceased, due to its age. The uncollared wolf with AM619 was a dispersing individual that has been with the pack since 2006 and is not a pup produced by AF486 and AM619. No indications of reproduction were observed during the 2007 denning season. Therefore, the Hawks Nest Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” per the definition in the Final Rule. Luna Pack (AM583, uncollared AF562, fp1047) In January 2007, the Luna Pack consisted of AM583, AF562, fp1047 and two additional uncollared wolves, which were observed during the annual population count. On January 23, the IFT captured fp1047 and fitted it with a radio collar. From January to June, the Luna Pack remained north of the Gila Wilderness and central portion of the GNF. On the February 5, the IFT located fp1047 approximately five mi south of the pack. The IFT documented possible denning behavior in this pack. During July and August, the IFT located the Luna Pack in the central portion of the GNF, with f1047 located separate from AM583. On July 27, the IFT observed AM583 with two uncollared wolves on a deer kill. On August 11, the IFT observed two uncollared wolves and possible pup tracks in the Luna Pack territory. The IFT observed AM583 and three uncollared, adult-sized wolves on August 17. On the August 27, the IFT located f1047 in the Middle Fork Pack territory. Throughout September and October, the IFT located the Luna Pack in the central portion of the GNF, with f1047 located separate from AM583. In October, the IFT located f1047 with AM973 of the Durango Pack, in the northeastern portion of the GNF. On November 9, the IFT received a second-hand report of an incident that occurred on November 5. Four to six wolves were reported to be near a deer hunting camp. The wolves remained in the vicinity of the camp for approximately 30 minutes, howling and barking before moving off. The November 5, telemetry flight placed the Luna Pack in the vicinity of the incident. Throughout November and December, the IFT located the pack in the southwest-central portion of the GNF. The IFT was not able to confirm the presence of pups. Per the definition in the Final Rule, the Luna Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. No confirmed mortalities, depredations, removals or translocations involving the Luna Pack occurred in 2007. Middle Fork Pack (AM871, AF861) In January 2007, the Middle Fork Pack consisted of AM871 and AF861. Throughout 2007, the IFT located the alpha pair together in the northern portions of the Gila Wilderness. In June, location data indicated denning behavior in the Middle Fork Pack. The IFT made attempts to count and trap potential pups in the Gila Wilderness during the first two weeks of October, but were unsuccessful. However, during the January 2008 helicopter operation five wolves were Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 37 of 44 visually confirmed. As of December 2007, the Middle Fork Pack consisted of AM871, AF861, and three uncollared animals. Per the definition in the Final Rule, the Middle Fork Pack was considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. No confirmed mortalities, depredations, removals or translocations involving the Middle Fork Pack occurred in 2007. Paradise Pack (AM795, mp1044, mp1045) In January 2007, the Paradise Pack consisted of M795, mp1044, and mp1045. The IFT captured two wolves (mp1045 and M795) and fitted them with radio collars on January 16, 2007. Genetic testing showed that M795 sired mp1044 and mp1045, thus it will now be referred to as the alpha male of this pack. The IFT lost radio contact with AM795 in 2005 when it was traveling as a single wolf. Throughout 2007 the Paradise Pack was located on the FAIR and the northwest portion of the ASNF. From May through September, as a result of several depredations incidences involving an uncollared wolf in the Paradise Pack territory, the IFT began obtaining three ground locations of the pack per week, erected turbo fladry fencing around the perimeter of a sheep pasture, maintained supplemental feeding stations, and provided regular updates to the permittee (Table 7). On August 4, five wolves were observed chasing elk on the FAIR near a location where the Paradise Pack had recently killed an elk. The IFT documented denning behavior in this pack. On August 14, the IFT observed two pups and five adults. On September 2, the IFT observed four adult-sized wolves. The IFT located m1045 with the Paradise Pack on the November 19 telemetry flight. In December, m1045 was located in New Mexico as a single wolf. On the December 17 telemetry flight, the IFT located AM795 approximately five mi outside the BRWRA boundary. Per the definition in the Final Rule, the Paradise Pack was considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. Rim Pack (AM991, AF858, mp1043, fp1048, fp1104, M1107 joined the pack in early December) In January 2007, the Rim Pack consisted of AM991, AF858, M992, and mp1043. Throughout January, the IFT located M991, formerly of the Bluestem Pack, with AF858. In February, mp1043 was located on the FAIR, separate from the alpha pair. M992 started making dispersal movements and was no longer considered part of the Rim Pack. M992 was reclassified as a single wolf in New Mexico in February. On the April 2 telemetry flight, the IFT located the pack on the SCAR. On April 24, the IFT found AM991 dead after receiving a mortality signal on the telemetry flight. After an investigation, AM991 death was ruled as unknown (Table 5). On the July 30 telemetry flight, the IFT located AF858 on the SCAR. The following day, the IFT located AF858 back on the ASNF. The IFT documented denning behavior in this pack. Throughout May and June, the IFT located the pack within its traditional home range in the central portion of the ASNF. On August 28, the IFT observed f1048 howling. During September, the IFT set leg hold traps in an attempt to capture and fit potential pups with radio collars. On October 17, the IFT observed one adult-sized wolf and one pup. On October 19, the IFT captured a female pup, fitted it with a radio collar, assigned it studbook number fp1104, and released it on site. On October 21, the IFT recovered the remains of f1048 west of Hannagan Meadow. The investigation revealed f1048 died from natural causes (Table 5). On October 27, the IFT heard one adult and two pups howling. Throughout November and December, the IFT located the pack within its traditional home range in the central portion of the ASNF. M1107 was translocated to the Rim Pack territory in November and joined the Rim Pack by early December. The Rim Pack was confirmed as a “Breeding Pair” per the definition in the Final Rule (USFWS 1998). Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 38 of 44 Saddle Pack (AM732, AF797, m1007, fp1016, mp1049, mp1050, mp1051, mp1052, fp1053, fp1054, fp1055) In January 2007, the Saddle Pack consists of AM732, AF797, m1007, f1016. On January 18, the IFT captured fp1016 and fitted it with a radio collar. The pack remained in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness. On February 24, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for m1007 for three confirmed depredation incidents involving three cows in New Mexico (Table 7). The IFT lethally removed m1007 on March 16. The IFT has been unable to located f1016 since March and it is considered “fate unknown.” Throughout March and April, the IFT located the pack in the GNF and in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness. On April 2, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for AM732 and AF797 for three confirmed depredation incidences (Table 7). The IFT captured AM732 and removed it to permanent captivity on May 26. On May 31, the IFT captured AF797, in addition to seven pups and placed them in captivity with AM732. The Saddle Pack is considered defunct. Per the definition in the Final Rule, the Saddle Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” in 2007. San Mateo Pack (AM796, AF903) In January 2007, the San Mateo Pack consisted of AM796 and AF903. Throughout 2007, the San Mateo Pack continued to use areas from Escudilla Mountain in Arizona to Alegres Mountain in New Mexico. On January 31, the IFT confirmed AM796 was involved in a calf depredation (Table 7). On February 5, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order for AM796. On February 20, the IFT lethally removed AM796 in an area east of Escudilla Mountain in GNF. In March, April, and May, AF903 continued to use areas east of Escudilla Mountain in the GNF. On April 9, the IFT investigated a freshly killed calf while monitoring AF903. The IFT confirmed AF903 was responsible for the mortality. This was the second depredation incident for AF903 (Table 7). The following day, the IFT located AF903 more than 10 mi away. In June and July, the IFT documented possible denning behavior. From August to December, AF903 continued to make wide-ranging movements. On October 23, the IFT located AF903 over 30 mi east of the previous week’s location and approximately nine mi outside the BRWRA boundary in New Mexico. On October 29, the IFT located AF903 within the BRWRA in eastern Arizona. On November 19, the IFT again located AF903 over 50 mi east of the previous week’s location and approximately nine mi outside the BRWRA boundary in New Mexico. The IFT was unable to confirm the presence of pups. Therefore, the San Mateo Pack was not considered a “Breeding Pair” per the definition in the Final Rule. Individual Wolf Summaries M863 The IFT observed M863 alone during the annual population survey. M863 continued to make wide-ranging movements from New Mexico to Arizona and back to the northern portion of the GNF. M863 joined the Aspen Pack on February 14. F923 The IFT observed F923 alone during the annual population survey. In January, the IFT located F923 in the east-central portion of the GNF. During February, F923 made wide-ranging movements. The IFT located F923 along the New Mexico/Arizona border and in the west-central Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 39 of 44 portion of the GNF. Throughout March, F923 continued to make wide-ranging movements. The IFT located F923 in Arizona during the first part of March, then later, more than 15 mi east of the New Mexico border in the western portion of the GNF. In April, the IFT located F923 in the southern portion of the ASNF and on the SCAR. On April 13, F923 was seen at a pump station on the SCAR. On April 14, IFT personnel traveled to the SCAR to attempt to dart and remove F923 from the reservation per the Tribe’s request. On April 20, a USFWS employee observed F923 harassing a calf on the SCAR. On May 21, F923 was located over 14 mi west of the previous flight locations and was within two mi of the SCAR and ASNF border. On May 22, despite intensive efforts, F923 was not located on the SCAR. On May 23, IFT received a report from several people on the Blue River corridor regarding a wolf wearing a collar. IFT investigated and confirmed the collared wolf was F923. On May 29, the IFT located F923 near the west-central boundary of the GNF. During June, the IFT located F923 in the west-central portion of the GNF. On June 18, the IFT located F923 with single M992. M925 During the annual population survey, the IFT observed M925 alone. M925 made dispersal movements and continued to be located widely separate from the Luna Pack during February and March. The IFT first located M925 in the San Mateo Pack territory and then traveled to the northern border of the BRWRA in the GNF. On March 19, the IFT located M925 in the northwest portion of the BRWRA in the GNF. On April 2, the IFT located M925 in the central portion of the GNF, just south of the Luna Pack territory. On April 12, the IFT observed M925 for the last time. On May 9, M925 was found dead by Forest Service personnel (Table 5). M992 In February, M992 left the Rim Pack and traveled widely, ending up as a single wolf in the westcentral portion of the GNF in New Mexico. Throughout March and June, the IFT located M992 in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness and in the west-central portion of the GNF. On April 11, a rancher in Catron County, New Mexico hazed a wolf chasing a cow. A recently killed calf steer was later found in the same area and was later assigned as M992’s first depredation incident. On April 13, M992 was captured, given a new radio collar, and released on site. On May 16, the IFT confirmed a wolf killed cow in Catron County, New Mexico. The IFT located M992 in the area at the time of the incident, thus M992 was assigned a second depredation incident in 365 days (Table 7). On June 18, M992 was located with F923. f1028 The IFT observed f1028 alone during the population survey. Throughout January, f1028 made wide-ranging movements. On the January 14 telemetry flight, the IFT located f1028 in the northern portion of the recovery area in Arizona. By the end of January, the IFT located f1028 near its release site at Middle Mountain. On the February 5 telemetry flight, the IFT located f1028 with members of the Bluestem Pack. On March 21, the IFT hazed f1028 from a residential area after a report of lost chickens and a duck. Throughout April, the IFT located f1028 in the northern portion of the ASNF, just south of the Hawks Nest Pack home range. On April 1, the IFT observed f1028. On May 23 and 28, the IFT observed f1028 with a rear leg injury near Alpine, Arizona. The IFT began conducting an intensive monitoring effort to capture f1028 to assess the injury, as well as to haze the wolf away from potential residential conflict areas. Due to f1028’s continued use of the Alpine area and its injury, the IFT attempted to haze it from the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 40 of 44 area throughout June. During the last week of June, the IFT began trapping efforts to remove f1028. Hazing efforts had been unsuccessful and the IFT suspected that f1028 killed a domestic duck on June 23. On June 28, the IFT captured f1028 north of Alpine and transported the wolf to a veterinarian who concluded that the leg will be weight bearing (Table 9). The IFT transported f1028 to captivity in mid-July; it will be evaluated for potential future translocation. m1038 In January and February, m1038 was located with AM863 and AF667 of the Aspen Pack. Throughout March and April, the IFT located m1038 separate from the pack, but within traditional Aspen Pack territory. In May, the IFT located m1038 over 50 mi north of m1039 and f1040, west of the Mangas Mountains in the ASNF. From June through December, the IFT located m1038 in the northwestern portion of the ASNF. During the annual population count in January 2008, m1038 was seen with an uncollared wolf. The IFT was able to capture the uncollared individual and assigned it studbook number f1111. The pair was named the Fox Mountain Pack. m1039 On February 21, the IFT located m1039 approximately five mi south of the Aspen Pack. Throughout March, April and May, the IFT located m1039 separate from the pack, but within traditional Aspen Pack territory. In June and July, the IFT located m1039 south of the traditional Aspen Pack home range, in the eastern portion of the Gila Wilderness, New Mexico. In August, m1039 began making wide-ranging dispersal movements in the vicinity of the Luna Pack. On August 6, m1039 was located the northern portion of the GNF. By August 27, m1039 was in the northwestern portion of the ASNF in the San Mateo Pack territory. During September, the IFT located m1039 moving between the northwestern and eastern portions of the ASNF. On October 17, the IFT located m1039 south of U.S. Highway 60, near Alegres Mountain, outside the BRWRA. At the end of October, m1039 was 45 mi from the BRWRA boundary near the Acoma Indian Reservation. Throughout November and December, m1039 was located in the Cibola National Forest (CNF), outside the BRWRA boundary. f1040 On February 21, the IFT located f1040 over 20 mi SSW of its natal Aspen Pack. Throughout March and April, the IFT located f1040 separate from the pack, but within traditional Aspen Pack territory. The IFT located f1040 in the eastern portion of the Gila Wilderness during June and July. From August to October, the IFT located f1040 west and southwest of the traditional Aspen Pack home range, in the eastern portion of the Gila Wilderness, New Mexico. On October 15, the IFT located f1040 northwest of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, New Mexico. Throughout November, the IFT located f1040 in the eastern portion of the Gila Wilderness, New Mexico. The IFT was not able to locate f1040 during December; it is considered “fate unknown.” m1041 The IFT continued to locate m1041 in the San Mateo Pack’s territory in the western portion of the GNF in New Mexico and in Arizona. On May 11, the IFT received a report of an injured wolf. The IFT confirmed the wolf to be m1041, with an apparent leg injury. The IFT observed m1041 on May 16 and 23. On May 29, the IFT discovered the remains of m1041 south of Alpine, Arizona (Table 5). Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 41 of 44 m1043 During March, the IFT located m1043, formerly of the Rim Pack, on the SCAR. On the April 2 telemetry flight, the IFT located m1043 more than 50 mi west of the ASNF border on the SCAR. m1043 then traveled back to the ASNF, but after the April 30 telemetry flight, the IFT located its radio collar on the SCAR. On May 22, an uncollared wolf in the Paradise Pack territory was involved in a depredation incident. On June 20, The IFT confirmed an uncollared wolf injured a domestic sheep. On July 7, 16, and 20, the IFT confirmed an uncollared wolf killed three domestic sheep. As a result of these depredation incidents, the USFWS issued a Permanent Removal Order on July 19. On August 3, the IFT observed an uncollared wolf in the Paradise territory. On August 4, the IFT confirmed an uncollared wolf in the Paradise territory was involved in a domestic sheep depredation (Table 7). On August 17, the IFT captured and permanently removed an uncollared wolf in the Paradise Pack territory to captivity. The IFT later confirmed the uncollared wolf was m1043. m1045 Formerly of the Paradise Pack, m1045 began making dispersal movements in November. During the annual population count in January 2008, m1045 was seen with an uncollared wolf. The IFT captured the uncollared individual and assigned it studbook number f1112. The pair was named the Elk Mountain Pack. f1048 On April 25, the IFT trapped an uncollared female wolf in the southwest portion of the ASNF and assigned it studbook number f1048. The IFT initiated trapping efforts after finding two calves with confirmed wolf-caused injuries and two dead calves determined to be probable wolfcaused (Table 7). On the April 30 telemetry flight, the IFT located f1048 on the ASNF, nine mi from the incidents, near AF858 of the Rim Pack. In May, the IFT located f1048 with the Rim Pack and believed that f1048 was a member of that pack. M1107 On November 24, the IFT captured an uncollared wolf while executing a removal order for the Aspen Pack. The wolf was caught approximately 0.5 mi away from the depredation incident. The collared wolves of the Aspen Pack were not located near this animal prior to, or at the time of, the capture. This wolf was deemed either a disperser attempting to join the Aspen Pack or a member of an adjacent, undocumented pack. Furthermore, the IFT believed this wolf was not involved in any of the depredations. M1107 was translocated to Arizona on November 25 near the Rim Pack’s territory with the intention of providing a potential mate to AF858. M1107 joined the Rim Pack by early December. Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Final: June 2008 Page 42 of 44 Appendix B. Summary of sighting reports received from the public from January 1 through December 31, 2007. #AZ Reports Known Wolf Reports Unknown/ Uncollared Reports Non-wolf Reports Not Enough Information #NM Reports Known Wolf Reports Unknown/ Uncollared Reports Non-wolf Reports Not Enough Information Outside AZ or NM Total Sightings for Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 6 7 5 1 12 7 5 7 6 7 2 9 74 1 1 2 1 5 1 1 0 2 0 0 3 17 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 2 2 0 4 1 1 5 2 2 0 1 24 1 4 1 0 3 4 3 2 2 5 2 4 31 3 3 0 3 4 2 0 0 5 5 5 9 39 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 9 1 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 4 3 4 6 24 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 9 10 5 4 16 9 5 7 11 12 7 18 113 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report Appendix C. Personnel. Arizona Game and Fish Department Dan Groebner, Acting Field Team Leader Shannon Barber-Meyer, Field Team Leader Janess Vartanian, Wolf Biologist Shawna Nelson, Mexican Wolf Outreach Specialist Colby Gardner, Wolf Technician, Wolf Biologist Laura Kelly, Wolf Technician Jeff Dolphin, Wolf Technician Beth Orning-Tschampl, Wolf Technician Kyle McCarty, Detailed Biologist Mike Godwin, Detailed Supervisor Mike Sumner, Wildlife Manager Joel Weiss, Wildlife Manager Velma Holt, Wildlife Manager Aaron Hartzell, Wildlife Manager Dave Cagle, Wildlife Program Manager John Hervert, Capture Specialist Bill David, Chief Pilot Basil Coffman, Pilot Steve Sunde, Pilot Eddie Cash, Pilot New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Saleen Richter, Field Team Leader Ellen Heilhecker, Wolf Biologist Tom Sansom, Pilot Mark Watson, Aerial Telemetry Locations Billy Sands, Detailed Biologist Greg Friday, Detailed Biologist Mischa Larisch, District Officer K.C. Gehrt, District Officer Storm Usrey, District Officer Jamie Frederick, District Officer USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services J. Brad Miller, Wolf Management Specialist Sterling Simpson, Wolf Management Specialist J.R. Murdock, Wildlife Specialist Chris Carrillo, District Supervisor Bill Nelson, Wolf Depredation Specialist Mike Kelly, Wildlife Biological Science Technicians Jedediah Murphy, Wildlife Biological Science Technicians Jon Grants, Wildlife Biological Science Technicians Keel Price, District Supervisor Final: June 2008 Page 43 of 44 Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project 2007 Interagency Field Team Annual Report U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service John Morgart, Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator Santiago Gonzales, Assistant Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator John Oakleaf, Mexican Wolf Field Projects Coordinator Dan Stark, Wolf Biologist Ryan Gordon, Detailed Biologist Maggie Dwire, Mexican Wolf Biologist Dewey Wesley, Biologist Jim Ashburner, Lead Special Agent White Mountain Apache Tribe Krista Beazley, Field Team Leader Deon Hinton, Wolf Technician Ivan Kasey, Wolf Technician Travis Clarkson, Wolf Technician USFWS Volunteers Jennifer Timmer Andy Bennett Mark Winterroad Allie Hunter Lauren Ross Jeannine Carlton Document MW 2007 Annual Report.Final.20080602.doc Final: June 2008 Page 44 of 44