Gottelli, D, Sillero-Zubiri, C, Applebaum G.D., Roy MS, Girman D.J., García-Moreno, J., Ostrander, E.A. & Wayne, R.K.. (1994) Molecular genetics of the most endangered canid - the Ethiopian wolf Canis simensis. Molecular Ecology 3: 301–312.
The world's most endangered canid is the Ethiopian wolf Canis simensis, which is found in six isolated areas of the Ethiopian highlands with a total population of no more than 500 individuals. Ethiopian wolf populations are declining due to habitat loss and extermination by humans. Moreover, in at least one population, Ethiopian wolves are sympatric with domestic dogs, which may hybridize with them, compete for food, and act as disease vectors. Using molecular techniques, we address four questions concerning Ethiopian wolves that have conservation implications. First, we determine the relationships of Ethiopian wolves to other wolf-like canids by phylogenetic analysis of 2001 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence. Our results suggest that the Ethiopian wolf is a distinct species more closely related to gray wolves and coyotes than to any African canid. The mtDNA sequence similarity with gray wolves implies that the Ethiopian wolf may hybridize with domestic dogs, a recent derivative of the gray wolf. We examine this possibility through mtDNA restriction fragment analysis and analysis of nine microsatellite loci in populations of Ethiopian wolves. The results imply that hybridization has occurred between female Ethiopian wolves and male domestic dogs in one population. Finally, we assess levels of variability within and between two Ethiopian wolf populations. Although these closely situated populations are not differentiated, the level of variability in both is low, suggesting long-term effective population sizes of less than a few hundred individuals. We recommend immediate captive breeding of Ethiopian wolves to protect their gene pool from dilution and further loss of genetic variability.
I think this is really smart and should be put into action.I do have one question if someone is allowed or can manage to get an Ethiopian wolf as a pet trying to breed a male with a female to increase population
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late answer, but no, it's an endangered species, you cannot keep them in captivity as a pet
ReplyDeleteAwesome! No words. You always go one step beyond.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much great, useful information here. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Read our guide if you wish.
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Thanks again :)
Do they have a foundation started or in the works
ReplyDeleteI believe the nomadic heardsmen in the African hinterlands around the Horn have inter-bred the Ethiopian Wolves with smooth coat collies and some other bigger mastiff or bully type breeds akin to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. What you get is a very sleek compact wolfy looking fella with the distinctive ears and tail and white tipped toes, wedge shaped head, eyes that glow green and a prominent ridge of longer hair along his back. I am able to be so descriptive because I have had the pleasure of having one for over 13 years. The closest thing to him is a Kelpie or Blue heeler. He is the best mannered yet dominant with any bigger animals. My Ha$hi is built to tackle a leopard, chase a cheetah and laugh at a hyena.
ReplyDeleteI got him 13 years ago in Lewiston Maine where there is a large Somali enclave. I was informerly informed that the Africans brought the Cattle dogs with them. The person who gave me my pup called him a dingo.