Red Wolf Project: Project Collaborations and Contributions
Currently Collecting Coyote Samples from Louisiana and Texas
The Canid Project and Red Wolf Project are proud to be a contributor and the local coordinator for Louisiana for this project, as well as one of our team members Karin Saucedo acting as the local coordinator for northeastern and central Texas.
The Canine Ancestry Project is a collaborative project led by Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt of Princeton University. It is represented by multiple institutions and experts in canine biology, ecology, and genetics.
The objective is to explore the genetic consequences of admixed ancestry in the context of selection and the impact on an expanding species range.
The project also will work to estimate the extent and timing of gene flow between coyote and wolves across North America during the past 1,000 years.
The Canine Ancestry Project is looking for interested individuals who are willing to donate a small, pea-sized tissue sample of Louisiana or Texas coyotes for genetic research. They need only basic information on the animals sampled (no personal information is gathered).
Individuals/Animal Control Officers/biologists/birders etc. who come across roadkill coyotes
Wildlife rehabbers/wildlife organizations/rescue centers who are able to provide coyote tissue samples
Louisiana and Texas sportsmen trapping/hunting coyotes (or have carcasses)
To report roadkill coyotes in Louisiana or Texas or to receive sampling supplies if you are interested in collecting samples, please email:
Project Director Bridgett vonHoldt vonholdt@princeton.edu
Louisiana Project Coordinator Amy Shutt at thecanidproject@gmail.com
NE and Central Texas Project Coordinator Karin Saucedo at karin.saucedo@gmail.com
The Canine Ancestry Project has now published papers as a result of population genomic analysis of North American canids. This is only the beginning of the genetic investigations into the current composition of our local canines. Briefly, our recent papers include:
Heppenheimer et al. (2020) A genomie-wide perspective on the persistence on red wolf ancestry in southeastern canids. Journal of Heredity 111(3), 277-286 [abstract].
Heppenheimer et al. (2018) High genomic diversity and candidate genes under selection associated with range expansion in eastern coyote (Canis latrans) populations. Ecology & Evolution. DOI:10.1002/ece3.4688) [abstract]
Heppenheimer et al.(2018) Population genomic analysis of North American eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) supports their conservation priority status. Genes 9(12), 606 [abstract]
Heppenheimer et al.(2018) Rediscovery of red wolf ghost alleles in a canid population along the American Gulf Coast. Genes 9(12), 618 [abstract]
This project is only possible through the generous efforts and sample donations from many people from various government agencies (e.g. USDA, DNR), numerous sportsmen, and interested communities and individuals. We thank everyone for their help and cooperation!
Project Director Bridgett vonHoldt vonholdt@princeton.edu
Please visit the project website at: canineancestry.princeton.edu