Is the red wolf a hybrid or a distinct species?
Attempts by the American Sheep Industry and by the National Wilderness Institute to remove the red wolf from the Endangered Species list were rejected because they failed to prove that red wolf was not a distinct species. Although the debate still continues in some academic communities, the consensus remains that the red wolf is a true species. When the few remaining wild red wolves were put in captivity a few years ago, some hybridization with coyotes had occurred, resulting in coyote genetic material in the red wolves. Wolves, coyotes, and dogs are all so closely related that even current genetic testing results can be difficult to understand and apply to conservation efforts. At this time, the researchers involved with the issue have a strong case that the wolves of Algonquin Park in Canada are a remnant population or northern subspecies of red wolf. However, the information is new and has not been critically reviewed by other experts in the scientific community. We must wait until
