Editor,
The name of this newspaper is the Daily Lobo, but just how many lobos - otherwise known as the Mexican gray wolf - do you, I or anyone else come across on a daily basis? That's right - zero.
That is probably because the Mexican gray wolf is an endangered species. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as of Aug. 14, the population count in New Mexico was a mere 83.
Only 83? This is definitely a problem. It is important to protect this animal, not only for biological and ecological reasons, but because the lobo is crucial to New Mexico. It's a cultural icon found in Native American folklore and is the mascot of our University.
It was chosen as the mascot of our University because of its revered traits of strength and cunning and its reverence for all members of the pack.
As students of this University, we are all Lobos, and it is time for us to look out for one of our own. The next time you don your Lobo-wear, remember that the lobo is an important part of New Mexico's cultural heritage. Take the time to check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site - Fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/ - and see what efforts are being made toward lobo recovery. You can donate your time, services, money or even just your interest. Let's not let our lobo fall through the cracks and disappear.
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Erika Siedschlag
UNM student
