Endangered Wild Carnivores of the U.S. Southwest: Protect their habitat now!
- by: Life Net Nature
- recipient: The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The jaguar, Mexican wolf, and ocelot are highly endangered species in the United States (Arizona and New Mexico). They cannot survive unless their remaining habitat is protected. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the responsibility to restore populations of these species. Yet it is not protecting their habitat. By signing this petition, people who care about these magnificent animals will bring pressure to bear on this agency to do its job.
We the undersigned call upon the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to urgently protect areas of habitat to serve as movement corridors for endangered jaguar, Mexican wolf, and ocelot in Arizona and New Mexico.
Habitat fragmentation is a huge problem and is getting worse. It is caused by poorly planned land development and by highways without underpasses or other safe means for wildlife crossings.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has directed hundreds of thousands of dollars toward research and recovery planning for these endangered wild carnivores. This investment will go for naught unless habitat connectivity is protected and the animals are able to move safely between mountain ranges. It is very important to balance your program and protect essential habitat!
Specifically, we ask that your agency provide the leadership, staff, and resources needed to end habitat fragmentation and safeguard habitat connectivity for jaguar, Mexican wolf, and ocelot in Arizona and New Mexico.
We trust that your response to this petition will be prompt and favorable.
Thank you for reviewing our petition.
