Describing a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in eastern North Carolina, USA.

ABSTRACT: When hybridizing species come into contact, understanding the processes that regulate their interactions can help predict the future outcome of the system. This is especially relevant in conservation situations where human activities can influence hybridization dynamics. We investigated a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in North Carolina, USA to elucidate patterns of hybridization in a system heavily managed for preservation of the red wolf genome. Using noninvasive genetic sampling of scat, we surveyed a 2880 km(2) region adjacent to the Red Wolf Experimental Population Area (RWEPA). We combined microsatellite genotypes collected from this survey with those from companion studies conducted both within and outside the RWEPA to describe the gradient of red wolf ancestr

SUBMITTER: Bohling JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4908465 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature