“I have wanted to work with wildlife since I was 16 years old. It’s truly something I love, and I can’t wait until the day I lead my own research on these terrifying creatures.“- Barnes
Somewhere between the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, 24-hour trail cameras overlook red rock buttes, grasslands and water sources. These cameras, owned by state and federal wildlife agencies, capture coyotes, black bears, vultures. All the species that coexist uniquely in the Gila Wilderness.
But that’s not what our wildlife technicians are looking for. Wildlife-sponsored tech Keepers are searching for Mexican gray wolves as part of interagency fieldwork to reduce livestock losses and continue recovery activities.
“Every time I check the trail camera. It’s almost a guarantee that most of my photos won’t be of wolves.” Ari Sullivan wrote in his August journal Enrollment For the Mexican wolf program. “Seeing all these creatures on camera, it’s impossible not to consider the interconnectedness of each organism and abiotic element of the landscape. Our focus is on wolves, but their lives are intertwined with the lives of other populations. have happened.”
Catching a glimpse of a Mexican gray wolf in the wild is a rare and difficult feat, whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a professional in the field. Conservation, after all, is a game of patience – of waiting.
Good things come to those who wait. By fall, the spring-born pups have matured, testing their skills under the watchful eye of dedicated wildlife technicians.
““For the past two months, the only time I’ve seen puppies on my camera is if they’re brought in by mom and dad to catch food,” Jessica Ridge said. “It’s an incredible experience to see the dogs go from small animals the size of potatoes, to antagonizing each other in front of their cameras.”
In the field, days and months fade. Every day, wildlife technicians in the forest track elusive signs like ghost tracks and, while searching for uncollared signs, monitor trail cameras and check on growing pups.
“With repetition, I’ve noticed how I’ve improved my skills in the field. When I run in a pack of wolves, I can see the signs more clearly, whether it’s tracks, skates. or any other indication that the wolf may leave behind. Ridge reported.
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Brian Bird/Dow
As they continue their work, their biologist field skills sharpen, and they become increasingly adept at trapping and monitoring livestock pastures.
All three technicians saw significant improvements in conflict reduction after joining the field team at the beginning of the year. While surveying different pastures, technicians have reported how a positive presence and proactive strategies have helped reduce potential conflicts.
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Todd Cornwell
“By tracking these patterns, they have been able to predict wolf behavior and prevent conflicts more effectively.” Written by Cameron Barnes, “The packs that were historically problematic didn’t cause much conflict, and we were able to mitigate any issues we had pretty quickly. Knowing that it’s making a difference, your It’s really exciting to see the result of all the hard work. At the end of the day, it plays an important role in the future survival of generations to come.
“Hopefully, if this continues, public support for the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf will strengthen.” Barnes added. “At the end of the day, this effort is vital to the survival of the species for generations to come.” Tune in for next month’s blog that highlights the annual Mexican gray wolf count that leads to a federal review of the species’ recovery.
Wildlife Technicians is co-sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is designed for college students and recent graduates pursuing careers in conservation. are doing The program allows for hands-on experience and provides critical field support to interagency field teams that help enhance wolf monitoring, security, conflict prevention and survival.
