Intense harvesting of eastern wolves facilitated hybridization with coyotes.

摘要: Despite ethical arguments against lethal control of wildlife populations, culling is routinely used for the management predators, invasive or pest species, and infectious diseases. Here, we demonstrate that can have unforeseen impacts be detrimental to future conservation efforts. Specifically, analyzed genetic data from eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) sampled in Algonquin Provincial Park (APP), Ontario, Canada 1964 2007. Research culls 1965 killed majority within a study region APP, accounting approximately 36% park's wolf population at time when coyotes were colonizing region. The followed by significant decrease an mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype (C1) Park's population, as well increase coyote nuclear DNA. introgression coyotes, however, appears been curtailed legislation extended protection outside park boundaries 2001, although mtDNA C1 continued decline now rare population. We conclude transformed composition this unique facilitating introgression. These results intense localized harvest seemingly abundant species lead unexpected hybridization events encumber Ultimately, researchers need contemplate not only ethics research methods, but also implications may obscured gaps our current scientific understanding.