Study of feasibility for the reintroduction of the mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), in Sierra de Cardos, Zacatecas

Abstract: The Mexican wolf is probably extinct in the wild and, the attempts that have been made, have not worked because they are still killing them, since they have only worked with the owners of the land, where they are freed, doing little work with the rural communities. That is why the socio-environmental feasibility for the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) was determined in the municipality of Susticacán, Zacatecas, which is located within the Sierra de Cardos. The level of social acceptance was determined through surveys, using descriptive and multiple discriminant analysis. The quality of the habitat was verified through the density of potential prey (food), vegetation cover and water availability. The surveys were applied to 80 inhabitants older than 15 years. The density of prey and domestic animals was estimated by counting fecal groups in transects in a strip, during the dry season of 2018 (March-May). Plant cover was determined using Canfield lines. Water availability was obtained using free access GIS. The social acceptance was positive (55.1%), specifically related to the fact that they would like their grandchildren to see wolves in the wild. In the case of the densities of potential prey, although the white-tailed deer obtained the highest density (<7 ind / km²), a limited number was perceived, since the wolves required twice as many individuals to settle, while the bovine was the domestic herbivore that obtained the highest density (<35 ind / km²), which in case of installing a family group could generate conflicts with humans. Coverage and space are not limiting factors for the reinsertion of the wolf, since its greatest limitation is the availability of food. Water is the resource found throughout the municipality, either by rivers or artificial bodies of water. Considering this, the tools used for this work can help to know if it is feasible or not the reintroduction of the species and that, if it is feasible, it is effective, because it also provides information about what needs to be worked with people previously (improve habitat), provide environmental education or establish strategies for livestock management - conflict resolution).