Two decades of non-invasive genetic monitoring of the grey wolves recolonizing the Alps support very limited dog introgression.

摘要: Potential hybridization between wolves and dogs has fueled the sensitive conservation political debate underlying recovery of grey wolf throughout Europe. Here we provide first genetic analysis wolf-dog admixture in an area entirely recolonized, northwestern Alps. As part a long-term monitoring program, performed screening thousands non-invasive samples collected Switzerland adjacent territories since return mid-1990s. We identified total 115 individuals, only 2 them showing significant signs stemming from past interbreeding with dogs, followed by backcrossing. This low rate introgression (<2% accounting for all ever detected over 1998-2017) parallels those other European populations, especially Western Europe (<7%). Despite potential stray few founders strong anthropogenic pressures, integrity Alpine population remained intact entire recolonization process. In context widespread misinformation, this finding should reduce conflicts among different actors involved facilitate conservation. Real-time will be necessary to identify hybrids support effective management emblematic population.