Genetic differentiation of eastern wolves in Algonquin Park despite bridging gene flow between coyotes and grey wolves

摘要: Distinguishing genetically differentiated populations within hybrid zones and determining the mechanisms by which introgression occurs are crucial for setting effective conservation policy. Extensive hybridization among grey wolves (Canis lupus), eastern (C. lycaon) coyotes latrans) in North America has blurred species distinctions, creating a Canis swarm. Using complementary genetic markers, we tested hypotheses that have acted as conduit of sex-biased gene flow between coyotes, Algonquin Provincial Park (APP) following history introgression. Mitochondrial, Y chromosome autosomal microsatellite data provided genotypes 217 canids from three geographic regions Ontario, Canada: northeastern APP southern Ontario. Coyote mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes were common across but coyote-specific absent; wolf mtDNA was absent regions, whereas present all regions. Genetic structuring analyses revealed distinct clusters cline, suggesting some species. In APP, however, 78.4% breeders 11 15 known breeding pairs had assignment probability QX0.8 to cluster, proportion males higher than expected random mating park (Po0.02). The indicate remain despite providing bridge wolves. We speculate ongoing is limited pre-mating reproductive barriers. Heredity advance online publication, 17 February 2010; doi:10.1038/hdy.2010.6