Spatial assessment of wolf-dog hybridization in a single breeding period

摘要: Understanding the dynamics of wolf-dog hybridization and delineating evidence-based conservation strategies requires information on spatial extent in real-time, which remains largely unknown. We collected 332 wolf-like scats over ca. 5,000km2 NW Iberian Peninsula to evaluate at population level a single breeding/pup-rearing season. Mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) 18 ancestry informative markers were used for species individual identification, detect hybrids. Genetic relatedness was assessed between hybrids wolves. identified 130 genotypes, including 67 wolves 7 Three backcrosses dog whereas others wolf, latter accounting 5.6% rate introgression into wolf population. Our results show previously undocumented scenario multiple widespread events level. However, there is clear maintenance genetic identity, as evidenced by sharp identification pure individuals, suggesting resilience populations small amount hybridization. consider that real-time assessments provide new perspective debate conservation, with particular focus current management guidelines applied events.