It’s hard to believe red wolves and Mexican gray wolves are still around: Both came about as close to extinction as is physically possible. Red wolves, for example, have plummeted to a population of 35 animals or fewer.

But despite incredible recoveries, both remain highly imperiled. These North American predators often come into conflict with people, especially farmers and ranchers. As part of this contention, some have questioned the science asserting the animals are unique species and worthy of protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Now, a federally-commissioned study has put that question to rest. According to a report just published by the National Academy of Sciences, Mexican gray wolves are a unique subspecies (Canis lupus baileyi) of