Genetic structure in a previously extirpated population of gray wolves following reintroduction and natural recolonization

Conservation Genetics
By: , and 

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Abstract

Genetic structuring in wildlife populations is driven by barriers that restrict gene flow as well as the history of population demography. Mechanisms driving genetic structuring can be nuanced in group-living species, such as gray wolves (Canis lupus). Behavioral factors, such as social affiliation and resistance, natal habitat imprinting, and trade-offs between dispersal from natal packs and territorial biding, affect habitat selection of wolves despite landscape barriers providing little resistance to their extensive dispersal capabilities. Wolves were previously extirpated from Idaho, USA, and current populations are the result of both reintroductions in 1995 and 1996 and natural dispersal from Canada. In this context we examined genetic structure of wolves in Idaho using 101 individuals genotyped at 18 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci and a subset of 38 individuals genotyped at 1019 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. We hypothesized panmictic (i.e., random mating) genetic structure in Idaho due to the long-distance dispersal abilities of gray wolves. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found three genetic clusters of gray wolves in Idaho, primarily supported by SNP markers. Microsatellite data suggested similar patterns, but permutation tests indicated these differences were not statistically significant. The extent of differentiation and evidence of gene flow, however, suggests that the three genetic clusters are not wholly isolated from one another. The distinctions between clusters spatially align with areas of reintroduction into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park, as well ongoing natural recolonization from adjacent populations in Canada and Montana. Wolves at the periphery of analysis areas showed more admixture than those in the core, consistent with territoriality and mating behaviors contributing to genetic structuring. We demonstrate how management history, including reintroduction efforts, and animal behavior may interact and contribute to patterns of genetic structure in wild populations.

Suggested Citation

Clendenin, H.R., Ausband, D.E., Adams, J.R., Hohenlohe, P.A., and Waits, L.P., 2026, Genetic structure in a previously extirpated population of gray wolves following reintroduction and natural recolonization: Conservation Genetics, v. 27, 30, 11 p., https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-025-01755-6.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic structure in a previously extirpated population of gray wolves following reintroduction and natural recolonization
Series title Conservation Genetics
DOI 10.1007/s10592-025-01755-6
Volume 27
Publication Date February 19, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Springer Nature
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Seattle
Description 30, 11 p.
Country United States
State Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Other Geospatial Northern Rocky Mountains Wolf Recovery Area
Additional publication details