European agreements for nature conservation need to explicitly address wolf-dog hybridisation

摘要: Abstract Hybridisation between wolves and dogs is increasingly reported in Europe. Nonetheless, no systematic survey has ever been attempted at the continental scale. We made first assessment of wolf-dog hybridisation (WDH) occurrence Europe analysed how phenomenon addressed by international legislation managed country level. found that WDH all nine extant European wolf populations, 21 out 26 countries for which we received information. The two main legal instruments (i.e., Habitats Directive Bern Convention) do not explicitly mention threat posed but provide guidance promoting control free-ranging hybrids. However, recorded poor compliance with such recommendations most countries, a lack coordination addressing among sharing same population. Alarmingly, revealed well-designed implemented country-wide genetic surveys to detect monitor hybridisation, both relevant pre-requisites effectively implement management. By recommending criteria an operative definition “hybrid”, also suggest improvements enhance WDH-related policy