A Research Strategy to Examine the Taxonomy of the Red Wolf

A Research Strategy to Examine the Taxonomy of the Red Wolf provides independent guidance about taxonomic research on the red wolf, Canis rufus. Building from the 2019 report Evaluating the Taxonomic Status of the Mexican Gray Wolf and the Red Wolf, this report reviews and ranks research applications to determine the taxonomy of wild canid populations in southern Louisiana and other relevant locations. The report then develops a research strategy to examine the evolutionary relationships between ancient red wolves, the extant managed red wolf populations, and the unidentified canid populations.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Morphology, Behavior, and Ecology3 Collecting Genomic Data from Historical and Ancient Canids4 Genomic Analyses of Extant Canids5 Synthesis of Research StrategyGlossaryAppendix A: Public Meeting and Webinar AgendasAppendix B: Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Museum SpecimensAppendix C: Summary of Museum Holdings of Key North American CanidsAppendix D: DNA Samples from Red WolvesAppendix E: Whole-Genome ResourcesAppendix F: Biographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix G: Statement of Task