Wolf-dog hybrids arise: new insight into the eastern fringe of the Northern European wolf population

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn study, tissue samples of 35 wolves hunted in Russian Karelia and 12 specimens of dogs were used in 2012-2022 for genetic analysis. Among wolves four individuals (11%) were recognized as wolf-dog hybrids (WDH) according to phenotypic characteristics. The analysis of 11 autosomal STR confirmed the hybrid origin of three, and allowed us to exclude one. At the same time, additionally were identified two more admixed individuals with no phenotypic deviations, arising the total number of hybrids to five (14%). Analysis of CR1 mtDNA in the specified sample set revealed the dog haplotype in one of the presumed phenotypically WDH. The mtDNA haplotype diversity was represented by two haplotypes common in Eurasia. Revealed level of genetic diversity of the population by 11 microsatellite loci was high (He = 0.746; Ho = 0.655; A = 8). However, the observed heterozygosity turned out to be notably lower than expected, and the inbreeding coefficient was also high (Fis = 0.131) and, moreover, increased compared to the previously noted (Aspi et al. 2009). In the past, the wolf population of Karelia was considered as pure wolves, with a moderate level of hunting pressure. The observed genetic processes – interspecific hybridization and increased inbreeding occur against the background of a noticeable arise of the new wave of fight against the wolf in Karelia. This region of some importance in the biogeographic sense – through this territory, the connection of animal populations living in Scandinavia and the Russian Plain, and furthered to Siberia is realized.