Pack structure and genetic relatedness among wolf packs in a naturally-regulated population

Occasional Publication of the Canadian Circumpolar Institute 35
By: , and 
Edited by: Ludwig N. CarbynSteven H. Fritts, and Dale R. Seip

Links

Abstract

Observations of wolf pack dynamics over a six-year period in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, found high rates of intraspecific strife, wolf pack dissolution and new pack formation, and the acceptance of new wolves into established packs. These observations corroborate genetic studies that found more genetic links between packs, and more genetic diversity within packs, than would be expected if most packs were composed of an unrelated breeding pair and their offspring. Longevity of packs, stability of pack territories, and the incidence of inbreeding all appear to be less than previously suggested, even in the absence of significant human disturbance. The formation of new packs by two or more local dispersers, the acceptance of unrelated wolves into existing packs, and the presence of multiple breeding females within packs would tend to blur genetic distinctions between the packs in a population.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Pack structure and genetic relatedness among wolf packs in a naturally-regulated population
Series title Occasional Publication of the Canadian Circumpolar Institute
Series number 35
ISBN 0-919058-92-2
Year Published 1995
Language English
Publisher Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta
Publisher location Edmonton, AB
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 10 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Ecology and conservation of wolves in a changing world: Proceedings of the second North American symposium on wolves: Occasional Publication 35
First page 293
Last page 302
Conference Title Second North American Symposium on Wolves
Conference Location Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Conference Date August 25-27, 1992
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details