Alpine wolves show scant signs of cross-breeding with dogs
Scientists have shown that just a small portion of wolves in the Swiss Alps show traces of cross-breeding with their canine cousins – findings that could have implications for conservation policy.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/dos
Basing their research on 1,645 samples of saliva, faeces and hair gathered from 115 wolves in the Alps between 1998 and 2017, the University of Lausanne scientists found that less than 2% of the animals had DNA that showed signs of hybridization.
Of the two wolves that were estimated to be cross-breeds, the researchers said they were almost certainly the outcome of a wolf and dog mating at least two generations ago, if not more.
“Our results prove that dog-wolf cross-breeding is in reality very limited, even anecdotal, and that the genetic integrity of wild wolf populations living in the Alps remains intact,” said Luca Fumagalli, a researcher working on the project.
The findings could have implications for efforts to control the existence of wolves in the Alps, since while pure wolves are a protected species, the legality of killing cross-breeds is vaguer, Fumagelli added.
“In general, national laws recommend their culling, in order to preserve the integrity of the pure wild populations. But the real question should be rather how to control the presence of stray dogs that transfer their genes to wolves,” he said.
Wolves and dogs are close cousins: both are part of the canis lupus species and share common ancestors. Indeed, dogs are simply wild wolves domesticated 10,000-30,000 years ago; since then, both have intermingled and often reproduced.
More
More
Big, yes, but bad? Carnivore divides Swiss opinion
This content was published on
Emotions run high whenever this elusive creature appears. As wolves make a comeback in Switzerland, they spark feelings of awe and fear.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.