Gregory's wolf

Gregory's wolf

Extinct (1980)  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Canis
Species:
Subspecies:
C. r. gregoryi
Trinomial name
Canis rufus gregoryi
Synonyms

Canis lupus gregoryi

A beautiful Red Wolf strolls by on his path at the Alligator River national Wildlife Refuge.

Gregory's wolf (Canis rufus gregoryi),[3][4] also known as the Mississippi Valley wolf,[2] was a hybrid canine subspecies of the red wolf. It was declared extinct in 1980.[5] It once roamed the regions in and around the lower Mississippi River basin.[2] This hybridization has been a subject of research due to its implications for both conservation efforts and the genetic makeup of wild wolf populations. It is believed that these hybrids originated due to the overlap of territories between wild wolves and feral or free-ranging domestic dogs, particularly in rural and forested regions where human influence on the landscape is significant.

Taxonomy

This wolf was recognized as a subspecies of Canis lupus in the taxonomic authority Mammal Species of the World (2005).[4] This canid is proposed by some authors as a subspecies of the red wolf (Canis rufus or Canis lupus rufus).

Historical background

The history of Gregory’s wolf can be traced back to the late 19th century when large wolf populations were facing drastic declines due to hunting, habitat loss, and deliberate eradication efforts. In certain parts of the United States, particularly in the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, wolves began to interbreed with domestic dogs, creating hybrid populations. This interbreeding likely became more common as pure wolf populations dwindled and their access to mates of the same species decreased.[6]

The name “Gregory’s wolf” is often attributed to early 20th-century naturalist reports, although scientific documentation of the hybrid was less formalized until recent genetic research methods allowed for more precise analysis of wolf-dog hybridization. Hybridization raised concerns among wildlife biologists regarding the genetic purity of wild wolf populations and the potential effects on the ecosystem.[6]

Physical characteristics

Gregory’s wolves often display a combination of physical traits inherited from both grey wolves and domestic dogs. These hybrids typically retain the muscular build and size of a wild wolf, but their fur, coloration, and facial structure may vary more widely. Some Gregory’s wolves exhibit the thick coat and wide head of gray wolves, while others may have traits more commonly associated with domestic breeds, such as varied fur colors and patterns.

Behaviourally, Gregory’s wolves may also show characteristics that differ from pure grey wolves. For example, some hybrids may display less fear of humans due to their partial domestic ancestry, while others maintain the typical cautious and elusive nature of wild wolves.

Habitat and distribution

The distribution of Gregory’s wolf is closely tied to regions where gray wolf populations overlap with human settlements. In the United States, hybridisation has been observed primarily in areas of the Northern Rockies, the Great Plains, and parts of the Midwest. These regions, characterised by expansive wilderness areas and rural agricultural lands, provide ample opportunities for wolves and dogs to come into contact.

Additionally, the spread of feral dog populations in rural parts of the U.S. has facilitated increased hybridization events. This has led to concerns among conservationists about the challenges of maintaining a genetically distinct and healthy wolf population, particularly in regions where hybrid wolves may outcompete pure wolves for resources or mates.

Conservation concerns

The existence of Gregory’s wolf poses several challenges for wildlife management and conservation efforts. One of the primary concerns is the genetic integrity of gray wolves. As hybridization continues, the line between wild and domesticated species becomes blurred, complicating conservation programs that seek to preserve genetically pure wolf populations. Some scientists argue that hybrid wolves may lack certain survival skills and natural behaviours that are essential for the ecological role of wolves as apex predators.

On the other hand, other researchers suggest that hybridization could introduce genetic diversity, potentially benefiting the long-term survival of wolf populations by increasing their adaptability. Nonetheless, conservation policies in many U.S. states are aimed at protecting the genetic purity of wild wolves, often involving the removal or sterilisation of known hybrids from the wild.

The legal status of Gregory’s wolf can be complex. While grey wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in certain regions of the United States, hybrid wolves do not always receive the same level of protection. In some cases, hybrid wolves are treated as domestic animals and are subject to state and local laws governing pet ownership and wildlife management. This discrepancy in legal protections creates challenges for wildlife officials tasked with managing wolf populations, particularly in areas where hybridisation is common.

Ethical debates surrounding Gregory’s wolf also arise in conservation circles. Some argue that hybrid animals, being part of the natural evolutionary process, should not be discriminated against or removed from the wild, while others believe that maintaining the genetic purity of wild species is crucial for the health of ecosystems. The future of Gregory’s wolf in the U.S. will likely depend on ongoing research and evolving conservation strategies.[7]

Research and future outlook

Ongoing research into the genetic makeup of Gregory’s wolf is crucial for understanding the implications of hybridization on wildlife populations. Advances in DNA analysis have allowed scientists to differentiate between pure wolves, dogs, and their hybrids, offering more insights into the genetic health of wild populations. Continued monitoring and research efforts are expected to inform future management decisions regarding wolf-dog hybrids.

In the future, conservation efforts may focus on finding a balance between preserving the ecological role of wolves as apex predators while managing the impact of hybridisation. This balance will be critical for maintaining the health and biodiversity of ecosystems across the United States.[7]

Description

The subspecies was described as being larger than the Texas red wolf, but more slender and tawny. Its coloring includes a combination of black, grey, and white, along with a large amount of cinnamon coloring along the back of its body and the top of its head.[2] It weighs around 27 to 32 kilograms (60 to 70 lb) on average.[8]

References

  1. ^ Boitani, L.; Phillips, M.; Jhala, Y. (2018). "Canis lupus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T3746A163508960. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T3746A163508960.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d E. A. Goldman (1937). "The Wolves of North America". Journal of Mammalogy. 18 (1): 37–45. doi:10.2307/1374306. JSTOR 1374306.
  3. ^ Roskov Y.; Abucay L.; Orrell T.; et al., eds. (May 2018). "Canis lupus gregoryi Audubon and Bachman, 1851". Catalogue of Life 2018 Checklist. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  4. ^ a b Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 575–577. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494. url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JgAMbNSt8ikC&pg=PA576
  5. ^ Nowak, Ronald M. (2002). "The Original Status of Wolves in Eastern North America". Southeastern Naturalist. 1 (2): 95–130. doi:10.1656/1528-7092(2002)001[0095:TOSOWI]2.0.CO;2. S2CID 43938625.
  6. ^ a b Funk, Daniel J.; Omland, Kevin E. (November 2003). "Species-Level Paraphyly and Polyphyly: Frequency, Causes, and Consequences, with Insights from Animal Mitochondrial DNA". Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 34 (1): 397–423. doi:10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.34.011802.132421. ISSN 1543-592X.
  7. ^ a b Schmutz, Josef K.; Flockhart, D. T. Tyler; Houston, C. Stuart; Mcloughlin, Philip D. (October 2008). "Demography of Ferruginous Hawks Breeding in Western Canada". The Journal of Wildlife Management. 72 (6): 1352–1360. doi:10.2193/2007-231. ISSN 0022-541X.
  8. ^ Oklahoma Game and Fish News. Department of Wildlife Conservation, State of Oklahoma. 1954.

Read other articles:

مجزرة جولة كنتاكي جزء من ثورة الشباب اليمنية 2011 التاريخ 18 - 23 سبتمبر 2011 المكان  اليمن صنعاء (ساحة التغيير) شارع الزبيري الأهداف إسقاط نظام علي عبد الله صالح المظاهر مظاهرات مسيرات سلمية الأطراف المتظاهرين ضد الحكومة ونظام صالح الحكومة اليمنية الحرس الجمهوري اليمني ال...

 

Italian television channel Television channel Rai ExtraCountryItalyBroadcast areaItalyProgrammingLanguage(s)ItalianPicture format576i 4:3 (SDTV)OwnershipOwnerRaiHistoryLaunched31 July 2003ReplacedRaisat AlbumRaisat ShowClosed26 November 2010Replaced byRai 5Former namesRaiSat Extra (2003-2010) Rai Extra was an Italian television channel owned by RAI and broadcast on Digital terrestrial television in Italy. Initially the channel was called RaiSat Extra. But on 18 May 2010, when Rai rebranded al...

 

Dalam Kota Raja DaudKaca patri yang didedikasikan kepada Cecil F. Alexander di Katedral St KolumbaGenreKidungDitulis1848TeksCecil Frances AlexanderBerdasarkanLukas 2:4–7Meter8.7.8.7.7.7MelodiIrby karya Henry Gauntlett Henry John Gauntlett Dalam Kota Raja Daud, Adalah di Kota Daud atau Once in Royal David's City adalah sebuah kidung Natal yang awalnya ditulis sebagai syair oleh Cecil Frances Alexander. Kidung tersebut mula-mula diterbitkan pada 1848 dalam buku kidung Hymns for Little Childre...

Easy APoster resmiSutradaraWill GluckProduser Zanne Devine Will Gluck Ditulis olehBert V. RoyalPemeran Emma Stone Penn Badgley Amanda Bynes Thomas Haden Church Patricia Clarkson Cam Gigandet Lisa Kudrow Malcolm McDowell Aly Michalka Stanley Tucci Penata musikBrad SegalSinematograferMichael GradyPenyuntingSusan LittenbergPerusahaanproduksiScreen GemsOlive Bridge EntertainmentDistributorSony Pictures ReleasingTanggal rilis 11 September 2010 (2010-09-11) (TIFF) 17 September 2010&#...

 

Range of poverty indicators Multidimensional Poverty Indices use a range of indicators to calculate a summary poverty figure for a given population, in which a larger figure indicates a higher level of poverty. This figure considers both the proportion of the population that is deemed poor, and the 'breadth' of poverty experienced by these 'poor' households, following the Alkire & Foster 'counting method'.[1] The method was developed following increased criticism of monetary and c...

 

كيندوم كام: ديلفيرنس غلاف اللعبة لمنصة بلاي ستيشن 4 المطور وور هاوس ستوديوز الناشر ديب سيلفروور هاوس ستوديوز الموزع ديب سيلفر المصمم فيكتور بوكان المخرج دانيال فييرا المبرمج توماس بلاهو الكاتب دانيال فيوركا المنتج بروكوب جيرساكاتينا ماتيتشيكوفا الفنان ميكولاس بودبروكي ...

Voce principale: Hertha Berliner Sport-Club. Hertha Berliner Sport-ClubStagione 2009-2010Sport calcio Squadra Hertha Berlino Allenatore Friedhelm Funkel All. in seconda Harry Gämperle Christoph John Bundesliga18º posto Coppa di GermaniaSecondo turno Europa LeagueSedicesimi di finale Maggiori presenzeCampionato: Friedrich, Piszczek, Raffael (31)Totale: Piszczek (42) Miglior marcatoreCampionato: Ramos (10)Totale: Ramos (11) StadioOlympiastadion Maggior numero di spettatori75 420 vs...

 

Теодульф Дата рождения 750[1][2][…] Место рождения Арагон, Испания Дата смерти 18 декабря 821(0821-12-18) Место смерти Анже, Мен и Луара Страна  Каролингская империя Род деятельности поэт, священник, автор христианских гимнов, богослов, католический еписк...

 

2000 single by The Get Up KidsAction & ActionSingle by The Get Up Kidsfrom the album Something to Write Home About B-sideClose to MeI'm a Loner Dottie, a RebelReleasedMarch 24, 2000Recorded1999GenreEmo[1]Length10:25LabelEpitaphSongwriter(s) James Dewees Rob Pope Ryan Pope Matt Pryor Jim Suptic Producer(s)The Get Up KidsThe Get Up Kids singles chronology Ten Minutes (1999) Action & Action (2000) Wouldn't Believe It (2004) Action & Action is the second single from The Get Up...

Canadian sprinter (b. 1994) Andre De GrasseAndre De Grasse after he ran the anchor leg to win the 4×100m relay at the World Championships in Oregon.Personal informationBorn (1994-11-10) November 10, 1994 (age 29)[1]Scarborough, Ontario, Canada[1]Height176 cm (5 ft 9 in)[1]Weight70 kg (154 lb)[1]SportCountryCanadaSportTrack and fieldEventSprintsCollege teamUSC Trojans (2015), Coffeyville Red Ravens (2013–2014)ClubALTIS (2015–20...

 

Cloud-based diagramming software For the occasional redesigns of Google's logo, see Google Doodle. Google DrawingsAn example of a drawing in Google DrawingsDeveloper(s)GoogleInitial releaseApril 12, 2010; 14 years ago (2010-04-12)PlatformWeb application, Chrome appAvailable inEnglishTypeDiagramming softwareWebsitedocs.google.com/drawings Google Drawings is a diagramming software included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. The service ...

 

American amusement ride designer Tony BaxterBaxter in 2009Born (1947-02-01) February 1, 1947 (age 77)Los Angeles, California, U.S.NationalityAmericanEducationSanta Ana High School, California State University, Long BeachOccupation(s)Senior Vice President, Creative Development, Walt Disney Imagineering, formerly known as WED EnterprisesYears active1965–2016, 2020 (Tiana's Bayou Adventure)Board member ofWalt Disney ImagineeringAwardsTHEA Award, Lifetime Achievement Disney Legen...

Sejarah Italia Nama Luigi TorelliPembangun Oto (La Spezia, Italia)Diluncurkan 6 Januari 1940Pelabuhan daftar BETASOM, BordeauxNasib Disita Jepang pada September 1943 dan diserahkan pada Jerman Nazi Jerman Nazi Nama UIT-25Diperoleh September 1943Nasib Dimasukkan kedalam Angkatan Laut Jepang karena Jerman menyerah pada Mei 1945 Kekaisaran Jepang Nama I-504Diperoleh Mei 1945Nasib Ditangkap oleh Angkatan Laut Amerika SerikatCatatan Ditenggelamkan pada 16 April 1946 Ciri-ciri umum Kelas dan jenis...

 

State park in Kansas, United States Mushroom RockPedestal formed by nonuniform weatheringLocation of Mushroom Rock State Park in Ellsworth County, KansasMap showing location of parkLocationCarneiro and Ellsworth, Kansas, Ellsworth County, Kansas, Smoky Hills, Kansas, United StatesCoordinates38°43′33″N 98°01′50″W / 38.72583°N 98.03056°W / 38.72583; -98.03056Area5 acresElevation488 m (1,601 ft)Established25 April 1965Visitors290,436 (in 202...

 

国民阵线Barisan NasionalNational Frontباريسن ناسيونلபாரிசான் நேசனல்国民阵线标志简称国阵,BN主席阿末扎希总秘书赞比里署理主席莫哈末哈山总财政希山慕丁副主席魏家祥维纳斯瓦兰佐瑟古律创始人阿都拉萨成立1973年1月1日 (1973-01-01)[1]设立1974年7月1日 (1974-07-01)前身 联盟总部 马来西亚  吉隆坡 50480 秋傑区敦依斯迈路太子世贸中心(英�...

Polish politician Andrzej HalickiMEPMinister of Administration and DigitizationIn office22 September 2014 – 16 November 2015PresidentBronisław KomorowskiAndrzej DudaPrime MinisterEwa KopaczPreceded byRafał TrzaskowskiSucceeded byMariusz Błaszczak (Administration)Anna Streżyńska (Digitization) Personal detailsBorn (1961-11-26) 26 November 1961 (age 62)Political partyCivic PlatformAlma materSGH Warsaw School of Economics Andrzej Halicki (born 26 November 1961) is a Polish p...

 

All Smiles Dental Centers (ADSC)[1] was an American chain of dental clinics, with its headquarters in Farmers Branch, Texas in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,[2][3][4] The chain operates dental clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in Greater Houston.[5] The company was the management service organization providing business support services to All Smiles Dental Professionals, P.C.[1] The patients mostly consisted of children in low-income Hispa...

 

Portuguese footballer (born 1983) In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Trindade and the second or paternal family name is Meireles. Raul Meireles Meireles playing for Fenerbahçe in 2015Personal informationFull name Raul José Trindade Meireles[1]Date of birth (1983-03-17) 17 March 1983 (age 41)[1]Place of birth Porto, PortugalHeight 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]Position(s) MidfielderYouth career1990–2001 BoavistaSenior caree...

1665 battle of the Portuguese Restoration War Battle of Montes ClarosPart of the War of the Portuguese RestorationBattle of Montes Claros, Palace of FronteiraDate17 June 1665LocationMontes Claros, Évora, Portugal38°45′50″N 7°28′19″W / 38.764°N 7.472°W / 38.764; -7.472Result Portuguese victoryBelligerents Portugal England[1] SpainCommanders and leaders Marquis of Marialva Count of Ericeira Frederick Schomberg Marquis of CaracenaStrength 22,000[2...

 

معهد ووهان لأبحاث الفيروسات (بالصينية: 中国科学院武汉病毒研究所)‏[1]    الاختصار (بالإنجليزية: WIV)‏  البلد الصين[2]  تاريخ التأسيس ديسمبر 1956[1]  المنظمة الأم الأكاديمية الصينية للعلوم  الموقع الرسمي الموقع الرسمي  الإحداثيات 30°22′35″N 114°15′45″E / &#x...