Historical Description of Human–Wolf Populations and Interactions in Mexico

The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, has influenced cultural symbolism and rural development through its interactions with human communities. The expansion of livestock ranching, however, led to intense persecution and its eradication from the wild by 1980. A binational conservation program initiated in 1977 focused on captive breeding and reintroduction, with modest recovery reported since 2011. This study employs a qualitative analysis of historical and academic sources to assess the status of wild populations and to document human–wolf interactions in Mexico. Findings indicate coexistence during the pre-Hispanic period, followed by a controversial relationship that culminated in intensified conflicts with livestock ranching by the mid-20th century. Current challenges include limited community involvement, livestock-based land use, and restricted access to information. Understanding these historical dynamics is essential for developing effective conservation and conflict management strategies. The long-term survival of the subspecies depends on coordinated efforts between local communities and government authorities to foster coexistence.