Wolf–dog crossbreeding: “Smelling” a hybrid may not be easy

摘要: Abstract Crossbreeding between wolves ( Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) and domestic dogs is raising as an emerging, potential threat to the conservation of wolf populations. Concern has been expressed that introgression with genes may pollute wolf's gene pool, strategies have proposed actively manage hybrids, for example by removing them from population. In this study, autosomal microsatellite markers were used in combination Bayesian assignment tests investigate occurrence dynamics wolf–dog crossbreeding Italy. We evaluated (1) differentiation dogs, (2) extent crossbreeding, based on statistical threshold set analyses, (3) existence a descriptive relationship morphological traits putative their genotypes, useful recognise hybrids wild. The results showed Italian are genetically well-differentiated, suggesting not affected pool. revealed 6.5% admixed but we proportion consequently perception how severe hybridisation, depends detection power marker selected assigning genotypes. Evidence genetic admixture was found individuals atypical, dog-like phenotypical traits, well wild type wolves, indicating be unidentifiable observation criteria, removal population probably impossible goal. suggest management efforts should focused sympatric populations free-ranging which primary source hybridisation wolf.