THE TAXONOMIC STATUS OF WILD CANIS (CANIDAE) IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL UNITED STATES

摘要: The relationship based on skull morphology of populations known as Canis latrans and C. niger in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma Texas is con- sidered. Available evidence indicates that has become extinct except isolated areas Louisiana. Elsewhere, replaced a primary predator. Probable previous hybridization between dis- cussed. Two species wild canines, red wolves, (Canis niger) coyotes (C. latrans) have been reported recent years from Arkansas (Sea- lander, 1956), Louisiana (Lowery, 1943), eastern (Blair, 1939; McCarley, 1952) (McCarley, 1959). Both species, presently defined, show considerable amount geo- graphic variation morphological overlap both skeletal pelage characteristics. Considerable confusion exists identifi- cation where may occur. This paper an analysis the currently wolves south central United States (Arkansas, Texas) largely morphology. study by Young Goldman (1944), resulted naming three subspecies basis size. largest subspecies, n. (Bartram) geographic range southeastern east Mississippi River. form now presumed to be and, because its beyond confines present study, will not considered further. smallest wolf was assigned rufus Audubon Bachman with Texas, northwestern Arkansas. A described gregoryi Gold- man characterized intermediate size rufus, i.e., area eastward to, River thence northward into Illinois Indiana. Thus west cline increase apparent.