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Mexican Wolf

Mexican Wolf at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Click to see more.

Mexican Wolf

Canis lupus baileyi

Family

Canidae, the dog family

Conservation Status

Endangered

Distribution

Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Habitat

Arid grasslands, woodlands and forests

Factoid

Mexican wolves have a complex social structure and communication system, which includes vocalizations, facial expressions, scent marketing and body language.

Mexican wolves have a complex social structure and communication system, which includes vocalizations, facial expressions, scent marking and body language.

Their body language is essential in identifying the dominant male. The alpha will stand tall with their tail held high, while other wolves will exhibit a submissive behavior with a lower body and tail.

Through cooperative hunting and precise communication, packs can bring down prey animals usually much larger than themselves by chasing them over long distances and creating confusion.

The Mexican wolf’s major threats are human-caused mortality, loss of gene diversity, and loss of habitat. The Living Desert has played an instrumental role in the comeback of the Mexican wolf for decades.  

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