Interactions of Human-Caused Martality, Genetic Introgression, and Management among Wild Red Wolves: Developing Scientific Consensus
Dates
Start Date
2015-10
Acquisition
2016-09
Summary
After being nearly driven to extinction by the combination of human persecution, human-caused habitat change, and subsequent hybridization with coyotes, red wolves (Canis rufus) were rescued from extinction by the establishment of a captive breeding program in 1973. In 1987, red wolves were first released into a coyote-free (Canis latrans) area in northeastern North Carolina. But by the early 1990’s coyotes began colonizing the area, and pairings between red wolves and coyotes were first detected in 1993. In 2000, a program to contain hybridization and introgression by sterilizing coyotes and removing hybrids began. Genetic assignment tests were used to determine which canids were red wolves, hybrids, and coyotes. But despite [...]
Summary
After being nearly driven to extinction by the combination of human persecution, human-caused habitat change, and subsequent hybridization with coyotes, red wolves (Canis rufus) were rescued from extinction by the establishment of a captive breeding program in 1973. In 1987, red wolves were first released into a coyote-free (Canis latrans) area in northeastern North Carolina. But by the early 1990’s coyotes began colonizing the area, and pairings between red wolves and coyotes were first detected in 1993. In 2000, a program to contain hybridization and introgression by sterilizing coyotes and removing hybrids began. Genetic assignment tests were used to determine which canids were red wolves, hybrids, and coyotes. But despite these management efforts, the number of red wolves in the reintroduced population has remained around 100. Given these additional sources of uncertainty surrounding hybridization and the potential increase in introgression along with the existing challenges for survival of red wolves as individuals and a species, the success of the recovery program remains unclear. We propose an expert workshop to investigate, address, and seek scientific consensus for two primary interrelated questions at the source of the uncertainty: (a) how does human-caused mortality affect reproductive barriers among red wolves and coyotes; and (b) at what biological point should genetic introgression prompt the delisting of red wolves? These two objectives are critical steps in the management process required to guide strategic planning and conservation for the species.
Recently, the USFWS contracted the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) to conduct an independent review and evaluation of the red wolf recovery program. The WMI focused on three critical areas: (1) Supporting Science, (2) Program Management, and (3) Human Dimensions and identified gaps in each of these critical areas. WMI also suggested potential avenues for improvement, but was quick to point out that the independent report was “not intended, nor should it be construed, to be a decision document with recommendations relative to the fate of the current red wolf recovery program”. In light of the findings of the WMI and the ongoing and unresolved surrounding controversy, it is paramount that decisions associated with the future existence and planning of the red wolf recovery program be addressed. In order to do so, the primary question revolves around whether or not the red wolf is a unique species worth conserving.
The proposed project addresses several critical elements which are necessary to fully evaluate whether or not the recovery plan for red wolves is sufficient. Given the pressure from coyotes and the rate at which hybridization appears to be occurring it is necessary to fully explore the consequences of these interactions and the potential for introgression in the future. Essentially the question of whether or not to delist the red wolf is the second piece of a linked decision that is predicated on, not only understanding the degree of hybridization and its implications, but at obtaining scientific consensus on the “species” unit to recover. This proposed project is focused on obtaining that information from the leading experts on wolf biology, genetics, and ESA law from around the world. With this information in hand the FWS can be confident in its ability to fully evaluate the recovery plan and the specific goals of the plan.
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Purpose
This SSP project focuses on obtaining information from the leading experts on wolf biology, genetics, and ESA law from around the world to aid FWS in evaluating the red wolf recovery plan.
