About the Project
The Eastern Wolf Survey project was founded in 2012 by Dr. Linda Rutledge with a grant from Mountain Equipment Co-Op. Since then it has been supported by various organizations, including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, Friends of Killarney Provincial Park, Friends of Algonquin Provincial Park and others.
We use noninvasive sampling methods (e.g. scat, urine on snow, etc.) to provide genetic profiles of individual wolves and coyotes. By creating individual genotypes, we can track individuals across the landscape, but we can also identify hybrids and refine our understanding of the distribution of this threatened species.
We use noninvasive sampling methods (e.g. scat, urine on snow, etc.) to provide genetic profiles of individual wolves and coyotes. By creating individual genotypes, we can track individuals across the landscape, but we can also identify hybrids and refine our understanding of the distribution of this threatened species.
Ongoing Research & Outcomes
Our work continues to provide data for understanding Eastern Wolf distribution and hybridization patterns throughout Ontario and Quebec. In 2016, we published our results in the peer-reviewed journal Diversity and Distributions. The research paper is open access and can be found here. We are currently working on new protocols that will make DNA extraction and genotyping from noninvasive samples more effective and efficient. More to come in summer 2022.
Parks That We Surveyed
Killarney Provincial ParkQueen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park |
Frontenac Provincial ParkPeterborough Crown Game Preserve |
Bon Echo Provincial ParkGatineau Park, QC |
Our Partners
We are fortunate to be supported in various ways over the years by the following organizations.