Successful conservation depends on accurate taxonomy. Currently, the taxonomy of canids in Africa, Eurasia and Australasia is unstable as recent molecular and morphological studies have questioned ...earlier phenetic classifications. We review available information on several taxa of Old World and Australasian Canis with phylogenetic uncertainties (namely, African jackals, Asian wolves and Australasian dogs), in order to assess the validity of suggested scientific names and provide a scientific basis for reaching a taxonomic consensus primarily based on molecular data, but also including morphology, biogeography and behavioural ecology. We identify major knowledge gaps, provide recommendations for future research and discuss conservation implications of an updated taxonomic framework. Recent molecular studies indicate that the former Afro‐Eurasian ‘golden jackal’ represents two distinct lineages, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) from Eurasia and the African wolf (C. lupaster) from Africa. Phylogenetic research also indicates that the side‐striped and black‐backed jackals form a monophyletic group that branched earlier than Canis, Cuon and Lycaon, which should be reassigned to the genus Lupulella as L. adusta and L. mesomelas, respectively. The Himalayan/Tibetan and Indian wolf lineages appear to have diverged earlier and are distinct from all other grey wolves (C. lupus) based on mitochondrial and nuclear genome data. However, until genome‐wide data from multiple individuals across the range clarify relationships with other taxa, we suggest referring to the Himalayan/Tibetan wolf lineage as Canis lupus chanco. We support the currently accepted nomenclature for the Indian wolf Canis lupus pallipes for the wolf populations found on the Indian subcontinent and possibly also in south‐western Asia (exact geographical boundary pending). The information presented here provides a current and consistent taxonomic framework for use by conservationists and other practitioners, but it is also intended to stimulate further research to resolve current uncertainties affecting the taxonomy of Old World canids.
Successful conservation depends on accurate taxonomy. Currently, the taxonomy of canids in Africa, Eurasia and Australasia is unstable as recent molecular and morphological studies have questioned earlier phenetic classifications. Available information on several taxa of Old World and Australasian Canis with phylogenetic uncertainties (namely, African jackals, Asian wolves and Australasian dogs) is reviewed. Major knowledge gaps are identified, conservation implications of an updated taxonomic framework discussed and recommendations for future research provided. The information presented here provides a current and consistent taxonomic framework for use by conservationists and other practitioners, but it is also intended to stimulate further research to resolve current uncertainties affecting the taxonomy of Old World canids
Summary
The domestic dog serves as an excellent model to investigate the genetic basis of disease. More than 400 heritable traits analogous to human diseases have been described in dogs. To further ...canine medical genetics research, we established the Dog Biomedical Variant Database Consortium (DBVDC) and present a comprehensive list of functionally annotated genome variants that were identified with whole genome sequencing of 582 dogs from 126 breeds and eight wolves. The genomes used in the study have a minimum coverage of 10× and an average coverage of ~24×. In total, we identified 23 133 692 single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 10 048 038 short indels, including 93% undescribed variants. On average, each individual dog genome carried ∼4.1 million single‐nucleotide and ~1.4 million short‐indel variants with respect to the reference genome assembly. About 2% of the variants were located in coding regions of annotated genes and loci. Variant effect classification showed 247 141 SNVs and 99 562 short indels having moderate or high impact on 11 267 protein‐coding genes. On average, each genome contained heterozygous loss‐of‐function variants in 30 potentially embryonic lethal genes and 97 genes associated with developmental disorders. More than 50 inherited disorders and traits have been unravelled using the DBVDC variant catalogue, enabling genetic testing for breeding and diagnostics. This resource of annotated variants and their corresponding genotype frequencies constitutes a highly useful tool for the identification of potential variants causative for rare inherited disorders in dogs.
Wolves (
) are generally monitored by visual observations, camera traps, and DNA traces. In this study, we evaluated acoustic monitoring of wolf howls as a method for monitoring wolves, which may ...permit detection of wolves across longer distances than that permitted by camera traps. We analyzed acoustic data of wolves' howls collected from both wild and captive ones. The analysis focused on individual and subspecies recognition. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the usefulness of acoustic monitoring in the field given the limited data for Eurasian wolves. We analyzed 170 howls from 16 individual wolves from 3 subspecies: Arctic
), Eurasian (
), and Northwestern wolves (
). Variables from the fundamental frequency (f0) (lowest frequency band of a sound signal) were extracted and used in discriminant analysis, classification matrix, and pairwise post-hoc Hotelling test. The results indicated that Arctic and Eurasian wolves had subspecies identifiable calls, while Northwestern wolves did not, though this sample size was small. Identification on an individual level was successful for all subspecies. Individuals were correctly classified with 80%-100% accuracy, using discriminant function analysis. Our findings suggest acoustic monitoring could be a valuable and cost-effective tool that complements camera traps, by improving long-distance detection of wolves.
Top‐order predators often have positive effects on biological diversity owing to their key functional roles in regulating trophic cascades and other ecological processes. Their loss has been ...identified as a major factor contributing to the decline of biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Consequently, restoring and maintaining the ecological function of top predators is a critical global imperative. Here we review studies of the ecological effects of the dingo Canis lupus dingo, Australia's largest land predator, using this as a case study to explore the influence of a top predator on biodiversity at a continental scale. The dingo was introduced to Australia by people at least 3500 years ago and has an ambiguous status owing to its brief history on the continent, its adverse impacts on livestock production and its role as an ecosystem architect. A large body of research now indicates that dingoes regulate ecological cascades, particularly in arid Australia, and that the removal of dingoes results in an increase in the abundances and impacts of herbivores and invasive mesopredators, most notably the red fox Vulpes vulpes. The loss of dingoes has been linked to widespread losses of small and medium‐sized native mammals, the depletion of plant biomass due to the effects of irrupting herbivore populations and increased predation rates by red foxes. We outline a suite of conceptual models to describe the effects of dingoes on vertebrate populations across different Australian environments. Finally, we discuss key issues that require consideration or warrant research before the ecological effects of dingoes can be incorporated formally into biodiversity conservation programs.
The design of optimum filters constitutes a fundamental aspect within the realm of signal processing applications. The process entails the calculation of ideal coefficients for a filter in order to ...get a passband with a flat response and an unlimited level of attenuation in the stopband. The objective of this work is to solve the FIR filter design problem and to compare the optimal solutions obtained from evolutionary algorithms. The design of optimal FIR low pass (LP), high pass (HP), and band stop (BS) filters is achieved by the utilization of nature-inspired optimization approaches, namely gray wolf optimization ,cuckoo search, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithm. The filters are evaluated in terms of their stop band attenuation, pass band ripples, and departure from the anticipated response. In addition, this study compares the optimization strategies applied in the context of algorithm execution time which is achievement of global optimal outcomes for the design of digital finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The results indicate that when the Gray wolf algorithm is applied to the development of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, it produces a higher level of performance than other approaches, as supported by enhanced design precision, decreased execution time, and achievement of an optimal solution.
Bazilchuk discusses that 43 of the approximately 70 wolves (Canis lupus), a critically endangered population in Norway, will culled. The most controversial aspect of the cull in winter 2019, is the ...Ministry of Climate and Environment's (MCE's)decision to allow the first-ever cull of one pack in a protected wolf zone. Two of the pack's wolves were shot in January.
Taxa belonging to the Genus
Canis
can challenge taxonomists because species boundaries and distribution ranges are often gradual. Species delineation within
Canis
is currently not based on consistent ...criteria, and is hampered by geographical bias and lack of taxonomic research. But a consistent taxonomy is critical, given its importance for assigning legal protection, conservation priorities, and financial resources. We carried out a qualitative review of the major wolf lineages so far identified from Asia from historical to contemporary time and considered relevant morphological, ecological, and genetic evidence. We present full mitochondrial phylogenies and genetic distances between these lineages. This review aims to summarize the available data on contemporary Asian wolf lineages within the context of the larger phylogenetic
Canis
group and to work toward a taxonomy that is consistent within the Canidae. We found support for the presence and taxon eligibility of Holarctic gray, Himalayan/Tibetan, Indian, and Arabian wolves in Asia and recommend their recognition at the taxonomic levels consistent within the group.
This study was undertaken to estimate basic population parameters and compare resolution capabilities of two chosen STR panels (Mini-DogFiler, MDF; “ASCH”). Wolf´s like dog breeds, namely ...Czechoslovakian wolfdog (n = 55), Saarloos wolfdog (n = 22), and samples of the Eurasian wolf (n = 21) were selected for their close genetic relationship. Also, German Shepherd (n = 26) breed was included as a donor of dog genome for the Czechoslovakian wolfdog.
Overall 228 alleles were detected using 20 STR markers (MDF 11 and “ASCH” 9 loci). Number of alleles ranged from 3 to 23 per locus, with median 11 alleles per locus for MDF and 10 for “ASCH”. Both panels showed similar level of variability in the means of number of alleles per locus (k) and observed heterozygostity (HO) as there were not found statistically significant differences (Mann-Whithey U-test; p = 0.85 for k, p = 0.88 for HO). A group of wolves showed the highest variability unlike Saarloos wolfdog with very low variability within all measured parameters, although such differences were statistically significant only for k parameter of MDF panel (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA; p = 0.0003) and no other groups were different. Both microsatellite panels were able correctly distinguish 3 dog breeds and wolfs as was verified by STRUCTURE programme and several potential hybrids were identified. Moreover, this pilot analysis amenable creation of allelic ladders for MDF and “ASCH” panels and thus ensure consistency and reliability of future study with extended number of samples.
Adaptation during the domestication from wolves (
Canis lupus
) to dogs (
Canis lupus familiaris)
is a debated ecological topic. Changes in food and environment are major divergences in the ...domestication of dogs. Gut microbes play an important role in animal adaptation to the food and environmental changes. In this study, shotgun sequencing was performed to compare the species diversity and functional diversity of gut microbes in wild wolves (group CLW,
n
= 3), captive wolves (group CLC,
n
= 4), and domestic dogs (group CLF,
n
= 4). The results found that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla and
Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Megamonas, Paraprevotella, Faecalibacterium, Clostridium
were the most abundant genera in the gut of wolves and dogs. Groups CLW, CLC and CLF have shown significant difference in gut microbial species diversity and functional diversity.
Bacteroides
,
Fusobacterium
and
Faecalibacterium
were most abundant genera in groups CLW, CLC and CLF, respectively. Their abundance varied significantly among groups. Compared to the wild wolves, the intestinal microbiol genes of domestic dogs were significantly enriched in the carbohydrate metabolism pathway of KEGG database. One hundred and seventy-seven enzymes were detected with significantly higher abundance in group CLF than that in group CLW, and 49 enzymes showed extremely significant higher abundance in group CLF than that in group CLW (
q
< 0.01) base on the function abundance annotated in CAZy database. It is noteworthy that there were also significant differences in the abundance of 140 enzymes between groups CLC and CLW (
q
< 0.05). Clustering analysis based on both the species and the function abundance of intestinal microbiota all found that groups CLC and CLF clustered into one branch, while samples from group CLW clustered into the other branch. This result suggests that captive wolves are more similar to domestic dogs than wild wolves in both species composition and function composition of intestinal microbiota.
PDF
