Analysis shows Southeast 杏吧原版 wolves aren't subspecies
December 5, 2014
907-474-5042
12-5-2014
University of 杏吧原版 Fairbanks Professor Matthew Cronin has published a in the Journal of Heredity concluding that Southeast 杏吧原版's wolves are not a separate subspecies.
鈥淢y study provides extensive genetic data. That, along with literature published by other scientists, does not support the assertion that these wolves are a subspecies,鈥 Cronin said. 鈥淭his is noteworthy because the wolves in Southeast 杏吧原版 are being considered for listing as endangered subspecies. The Alexander Archipelago wolf and the wolves on Prince of Wales Island are currently being considered for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
The paper, titled 鈥淪ingle Nucleotide Polymorphism Variation of Wolves in Southeast 杏吧原版 and Comparison with Wolves, Dogs and Coyotes in North America,鈥 was written by Cronin and University of California Davis colleagues.
鈥淭here is considerable differentiation of wolves in Southeast 杏吧原版 from wolves in other areas,鈥 Cronin said. 鈥淗owever, wolves in Southeast 杏吧原版 are not a genetically homogenous group, and there are comparable levels of genetic differentiation among areas within Southeast 杏吧原版 and between Southeast 杏吧原版 and other geographic areas.鈥
Cronin conducted DNA tests and reviewed published findings on wolf genetics. 鈥淭hey do not support recognition of the wolves in Southeast 杏吧原版 as a distinct subspecies,鈥 he said.
The results also show the wolves on Prince of Wales Island are not highly differentiated compared to other populations in Southeast 杏吧原版, which Cronin said indicates they do not warrant recognition as a distinct population segment.
Cronin is a research professor in the Palmer office of UAF's School of Natural Resources and Extension. Contact him at macronin@alaska.edu, 907-227-1753.
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