Our capstone project explored how human activity shapes the future of the endangered Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). These wolves are vital to the health of ecosystems in the Southwest, yet their recovery is deeply influenced by human decisions about land, livestock, and policy.

We focused on three key strategies that affect wolf recovery: dispersal, translocation, and captive breeding. Wolves disperse naturally to find new territory and mates, but human-imposed boundaries, like the Interstate 40 line, limit their ability to expand into suitable habitat. Translocation, the relocation of wolves from conflict areas, can provide a non-lethal alternative to killing wolves, but it brings risks such as stress and lower survival rates if not carefully managed.

Captive breeding programs prevented extinction in the 1970s, but because today’s population descends from just seven founders, inbreeding continues to pose long-term challenges.

To bring the science to life, we built a family tree for Asha, a young wolf captured after dispersing north of I-40. Her story highlights both the promise and the limits of genetics in recovery. By pairing genetics with public education, we hope to increase awareness of why wolf management is not only a biological issue but also a social one.

As part of our outreach, we launched the Women and Wolves blog, a student-created platform combining research, wolf stories, and creative media. The blog shares everything from family tree visuals to personal reflections, helping connect science with community storytelling.

This project reminded us that wolf conservation is about more than protecting a single species, it’s about restoring balance to landscapes and navigating the complex relationships between people and wildlife. We leave this experience with new skills, a deeper respect for wolves, and a commitment to keep contributing to their recovery.