Genetics and conservation of wolves Canis lupus in Europe

摘要: 1 The wolf Canis lupus, the most widespread of four species large carnivores in Europe, after centuries population decline and eradication, is now recovering many countries. Wolves contribute to regulating prey–predator dynamics interact with human activities, mainly livestock farming ungulate hunting. Although wolves are protected European countries, illegal or incidental killing widespread. 2 Wolf populations do not show any apparent phylogeographic structuring worldwide. Molecular morphological studies historical samples showed evidence ecomorph extinctions, coinciding great Pleistocene faunal turnover. 3 Extant recurrent long-range dispersal during cycles expansion recolonization. Demographically stable populations, contrast, seem be characterized by very limited gene flow. 4 Despite potential for ecological flexibility, landscape genetic approaches have demonstrated existence genetically distinct which originated through habitat prey specializations. 5 Small isolated may suffer from inbreeding depression, although selection heterozygotes rescue effect can foster rapid recovery. Population structure efficiently monitored non-invasive methods, also useful identify wolf × dogCanis lupus familiaris hybridization. 6 Despite technical advances a better knowledge biology, conservation largely dependent on humans, solution conflicts stakeholders.