Factors influencing timing of puberty in Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi).

This article focuses on determining the age of puberty in male Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) within a captive breeding program critical for their conservation. The study assessed sperm production in 57 males during their first breeding season across nine U.S. facilities, finding that 54.4% produced sperm, although sperm quality varied and many were subfertile or infertile. Key factors associated with puberty included greater body weight, larger testis size, later collection dates in the breeding season, and lower facility latitude, while social housing conditions and inbreeding showed no significant effect. These findings suggest that more young male Mexican wolves may reach reproductive maturity earlier than previously thought, which has important implications for managing breeding and social structures in conservation programs.