US ends protection for wolves in three states

The Bush administration has announced an end to federal protection for grey wolves in three US states, writes the New York Times’ Kirk Johnson.

Officials have concluded that the wolves are reproductively robust enough to survive.

A coalition of wildlife and environmental groups dismissed the government’s claims and announced plans for a lawsuit to reverse the decision, which is to take effect next month.

Advocates for the animals said there were too few wolves to make a genetically sound population.

(Ed - it is worth keeping an eye open for the Bush administration's decision on whether polar bears should be listed as endangered. It is expected soon, perhaps as early as next week)

From the source:

US Fish and Wildlife Service press release

Q&A (PDF) from the US FWS about its decision

Other media:

Los Angeles Times coverage

Science Daily coverage

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