Question

read the following excerpt from an argument project: the gray wolf has been listed as an endangered species for about 40 years. however, it looks like that listing is about to change. according to the u.s. fish and wildlife service, the population has been proposed for \delisting\ (federal register, vol. 78., no. 114). and in some areas where protection has been most successful, politicians, ranchers, and hunters have begun calling for reduction of wolf populations. none of this is good news for gray wolves. many studies have shown that this population is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the remaining wild areas of the west. therefore, even though their numbers have rebounded slightly since they were listed as endangered, gray wolves should not be removed from the endangered species list. what is the writers main claim? the remaining wild areas of the west should be preserved. gray wolves are an important part of a specific ecosystem in the west. the u.s. fish and wildlife service can be unreliable. gray wolves should be kept on the endangered species list.

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes that despite a slight population rebound, gray - wolves are crucial for the ecosystem in the remaining wild areas of the West and should not be removed from the endangered species list. This is the main claim.

Answer:

Gray wolves should be kept on the endangered species list.