Managing hybridization of a recovering endangered species : The red wolf Canis rufus as a case study

摘要: Hybridization presents a unique challenge for conservation biologists and managers . While hybridization is an important evolutionary process, also threat formany native species The endangered recovery effort the red wolf Canis rufus classic system understanding addressing challenges of hybridization. From 1987?1993, 63 wolves were released from captivity in eastern North Carolina, USA, to establish free-ranging, non-essential experimental population. By 1999, recognized with invasive coyotes latrans was single greatest successful recovery, adaptive management plan adopted innovative approaches managing Here we review application results efforts 1993 2013 by comparing: (1) numbers wolves, coyotes, hybrids captured, (2) territorial social groups presumed breeding capabilities, (3) number hybrid litters documented each year (4) degree coyote introgression into wild gene pool. We substantial increases known 1987–2004 followed plateau slight decline 2013.The exceeded proportion per averaged 21% genetic composition population estimated include < 4% ancestry recent since reintroduction conclude that effective at reducing genes population, but will require continuation current plan, or alternative approaches, foreseeable future More broadly, discuss lessons learned could assist other facing minimizing