
Climatic comparison of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) subspecies in North America using niche-based distribution models and its implications for conservation programs. González-Bernal A, Rojas-Soto O, Martínez-Meyer E. Journal of Mammalogy. 2022 Jul
ABSTRACT
The gray wolf, Canis lupus, once inhabited much of the northern hemisphere worldwide; however, persecution drove its populations almost to extinction. In North America, diverse conservation programs have been implemented in the last decades to recover its populations in the wild, many of them guided by the historical distribution of the gray wolf subspecies. Over time, several authors have proposed different subspecies classifications. Nevertheless, most of them are mutually inconsistent regarding the number and distribution of subspecies, creating controversy when implementing conservation programs. This study used niche-based distribution models and cluster analysis to explore the bioclimatic profiles of C. lupus across North America and compare them with different subspecies classifications to identify environmental correlatives that support the proposed designations. Our cluster analysis results indicate that the optimal number of climatic groups was five, designated as Northern, Eastern, Western, Coastal, and Southern groups, with transitional overlap boundaries located at their peripheries, indicating climatic gradients between them and supporting the idea of intergrading zones. The geographic ranges of these groups mismatched to a different extent with all subspecies delimitations. In general, the boundaries of putative subspecies did not match the climatic patterns of North America. Our results may contribute to the recovery programs underway for this carnivore by identifying suitable areas for the release of individuals from specific lineages. New approaches to characterizing the intraspecific variation of the gray wolf should include all evidence available, including genetic, morphological, and ecological information.
Geographic variation in skull morphology of the wolf (Canis lupus) in relation to prey size across North America (Doctoral dissertation, Laurentian University of Sudbury). Dawson Ketchen, J., 2021.
Dietary reconstruction and evidence of prey shifting in Pleistocene and recent gray wolves (Canis lupus) from Yukon Territory. Landry Z, Kim S, Trayler RB, Gilbert M, Zazula G, Southon J, Fraser D. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 2021 Mar
ABSTRACT
We investigate if and how diets of gray wolves from the Yukon Territory, Canada, have changed from the Pleistocene (>52.8 ka BP to 26.5 ka BP [±170 y BP]) to the recent Holocene (1960s) using dental microwear analysis of carnassial teeth and stable isotope analyses of carbonates (δ13CCO3 and δ18OCO3) and collagen (δ13Ccol and δ15Ncol) from bone. We find that dental microwear patterns are similar between the Pleistocene and Holocene specimens, indicating that there has been no change in carcass utilization behaviours, where flesh, not bone, is primarily consumed. Based on minimal changes in δ13CCO3 and δ13Ccol values, we find that, over thousands of years, Yukon gray wolves have remained generalist predators feeding upon several large ungulate species. Interestingly, δ15Ncol values suggest that the extinction of megafaunal species at ~11.7 Ka induced a shift from a diet comprised primarily of horse (Equus sp.) to one based on cervids (i.e. moose and caribou). Survival of large-bodied cervids, such as caribou (Rangifer tarandus), was likely key to wolf survival. Although gray wolves survived the end Pleistocene megafauna extinction and demonstrate a degree of ecological flexibility, we suggest that failure to preserve major elements of their current niche (e.G. caribou) may result in continued population declines, especially in the face of increasing anthropogenic influences.
Considering Pleistocene North American wolves and coyotes in the eastern Canis origin story. Wilson P, Rutledge LY.Authorea Preprints. 2020 Sep
Global Phylogeographic and Admixture Patterns in Grey Wolves and Genetic Legacy of An Ancient Siberian Lineage. Pilot M, Moura AE, Okhlopkov IM, Mamaev NV, Alagaili AN, Mohammed OB, Yavruyan EG, Manaseryan NH, Hayrapetyan V, Kopaliani N, Tsingarska E. Scientific reports. 2019 Nov
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Wolf body mass cline across Minnesota related to taxonomy?. Mech LD, Paul WJ. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 2008 Aug
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