In Dr. Susan Dicks’ daily routine at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility, her patients are Mexican wolves, not typical small animals. Although she has a decade of clinical practice with pets, her true calling lies in aiding the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). This initiative is working tirelessly to restore the population of these endangered creatures, known as lobos, in their natural habitat.

The Day-to-Day Role

At Sevilleta, Dr. Dicks goes beyond conventional veterinary duties of examining and vaccinating animals. She employs her extensive knowledge from small animal medicine to address issues specific to wolves by using dogs as a physiological model for wolf anatomy. Besides providing individual care, she plays a crucial role in population management—a task critical given that there are only 257 wolves in the wild according to the 2023 census.

An Uphill Battle

Once nearly extinct by the 1970s due to conflicts with livestock and other threats, Mexican gray wolves were given a lifeline by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The joint efforts between the US and Mexico started with just seven wolves found in Mexico to create a captive breeding program. This initiative has gradually increased their numbers, inching them away from extinction.

A Multilateral Effort

The USFWS collaborates with multiple organizations including Arizona Game and Fish Department and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Together with local tribes and federal agencies, they oversee a steady growth in the wolf population. The methods encompass everything from radio-collaring and genetic analysis through feces to game cameras—tools that ensure every lobo counts.

The Importance of Genetic Diversity

With such limited founders, maintaining genetic diversity is essential. Lobo pups from zoos are made part of wild litters under 14 days old, fostering efficient genetic mixing. Dr. Dicks highlights how wild wolves accept these pups readily: Because genetics and genetic issues are very important in our program, we take individual pups from zoo litters and fly them to Arizona or New Mexico when they are under 14 days of age … We match them to wild litters of similar age, put them in dens, and the pups go straight for the mom, and they’re adopted.

The Role of Technology

Sophisticated radio collars aid immensely in tracking these wolves, alerting teams if the animals venture near cattle—helpful for coexistence with ranchers. Additionally, volunteers gather field data by searching for scat on accessible paths.

Community Involvement and Education

Much like citizen scientists assisting marine conservation projects, community members contribute significantly here too. Similar to Lobo Reef Monitoring Program where citizen scientists serve as force multipliers, volunteers help monitor wolves’ health through gathered data.

A paramount aspect of Dr. Dicks’ job is educating various audiences—from professionals to schoolchildren—about zoonotic diseases which easily spread between humans and wildlife. The goal is not only conserving wolves but also understanding their broader ecological impact.

A Hopeful Future

Mexican wolves once wiped out from U.S. soil showcase successful reintroduction efforts proving that dedicated conservation programs work. Dr. Dicks exemplifies this intricate blend of veterinary expertise and passion for wildlife conservation ensuring the comeback of Mexican wolves.