Coywolf
| Coywolf | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Canis |
| Species: | Canis latrans x Canis lupus |
| Binomial name | |
| Canis latrus |
|
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This article needs attention from an expert on the subject. (January 2012) |
Coywolves are canid hybrids of wolves and coyotes. They have recently become common in eastern North America, where they have been considered eastern coyotes, eastern wolves, or red wolves.
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Eastern coyotes [edit]
Many eastern coyotes are coywolves, a canid hybrid, which despite having a majority of coyote (Canis latrans) ancestry, also descend from wolves, either the Gray wolf (Canis lupus) or the Red wolf (Canis lupus rufus, formerly Canis rufus). They come from a constantly evolving gene pool and are viewed by some scientists as an emerging species.[1] The genetic composition of these animals is debated among scientists.[2][3]
A study showed that of 100 coyotes collected in Maine, 22 had half or more grey wolf ancestry, and one was 89 percent grey wolf. A theory has been proposed that the large eastern "coyotes" in Canada are actually hybrids of the smaller western coyotes and grey wolves that met and mated decades ago as the coyotes moved toward New England from their earlier western ranges.[4]
The Red Wolf [edit]
The Red Wolf is a Grey Wolf sub-species. Strong evidence for hybridization was found through genetic testing which showed that red wolves have only 5% of their alleles unique from either Gray wolves or coyotes. Genetic distance calculations have indicated that red wolves are intermediate between coyotes and grey wolves, and that they bear great similarity to wolf/coyote hybrids in southern Quebec and Minnesota. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA showed that existing Red Wolf populations are predominantly coyote in origin.[5] However, other scientific evidence may point to the species being evolved from a common ancestor of the Coyote and Eastern Wolf which would explain a similar DNA.[6]
Eastern coyotes in Ontario [edit]
On 31 March 2010, a presentation by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources research scientist Brent Patterson outlined key findings that most coyotes in Eastern Ontario are wolf-coyote hybrids and the Eastern wolves in Algonquin Park are, in general, not inter-breeding with coyotes.[7]
Other reports [edit]
On the April 20, 2011 episode of "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files," analysis of DNA extracted from the corpse of a so-called "Texas chupacabra" showed it to actually be a coyote/Mexican timber wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) hybrid.[8]
Behavior [edit]
Coywolves have the wolf characteristics of pack hunting and the coyote characteristic of lack of fear of human-developed areas. They seem to be bolder and more intelligent than regular coyotes.[9]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Vyhnak, Carola (Aug 15 2009). "Meet the coywolf". Toronto Star. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- ^ Chambers, Steven M. (Jun 2010). "A Perspective on the Genetic Composition of Eastern Coyotes". Northeastern Naturalist: 205–210. doi:10.1656/045.017.0203. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- ^ Oosthoek, Sharon (February 23, 2008). "The decline, fall and return of the red wolf". New Scientist. Reed Business Information. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- ^ Zimmerman, David. "Eastern Coyotes Are Becoming Coywolves". Caledonian-Record. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- ^ "The red wolf (Canis rufus) – hybrid or not?" (PDF). Montana State University. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
- ^ Lee, Philip. "North America's Lone Wolf Unmasked". The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
- ^ Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Eastern Wolf
- ^ http://www.cuerochupacabra.com/
- ^ Carola, Vyhnak (August 15, 2009). "Meet the coywolf". Toronto Star. Torstar. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
External links [edit]
- The complicated science of studying coyotes and hybrid species: Mysteries That Howl and Hunt
- Interbreeding Threatens Rare Species, Experts Say
- Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research http://www.easterncoyoteresearch.com/
- Jonathan Way's Eastern Coyote Webpage https://www2.bc.edu/~wayjo/
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