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Journal Publications
Carmichael L.E., Nagy J.A., Larter N.C.,
and Strobeck C. 2001. Prey specialization may influence patterns of gene
flow in wolves of the Canadian Northwest. Molecular Ecology 10,
2787-2798
(PDF= 429 KB)
Abstract
This study characterizes population genetic structure among grey wolves
(Canis lupus ) in northwestern Canada, and discusses potential physical and
biological determinants of this structure. Four hundred and ninety-one grey
wolves, from nine regions in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and British
Columbia, were genotyped using nine microsatellite loci. Results indicate
that wolf gene flow is reduced significantly across the Mackenzie River,
most likely due to the north-south migration patterns of the barren-ground
caribou herds that flank it. Furthermore, although Banks and Victoria Island
wolves are genetically similar, they are distinct from mainland wolf
populations across the Amundsen Gulf. However, low-level island-mainland
wolf migration may occur in conjunction with the movements of the
Dolphin-Union caribou herd. Whereas previous authors have examined
isolation-by-distance in wolves, this study is the first to demonstrate
correlations between genetic structure of wolf populations and the presence
of topographical barriers between them. Perhaps most interesting is the
possibility that these barriers reflect prey specialization by wolves in
different regions. |
