Wolf-dog hybrid found in Romania. Is there anything to be happy about?
A wolf-dog hybrid was discovered in the Southern Carpathians. However, researchers stress that there is nothing to be happy about. Indeed, wolfdogs can pose a major problem.
Representatives of the Romanian foundation Conservation Carpathia confirmed that they had found a wolfdog in the forests of the Southern Carpathians. They carried out research which clearly shows that the wolf-dog hybrid accompanied a pack of wolves. This is the first genetically documented case of wild occurrence of such crossbreed in the Carpathians.
Wolf-dog hybrid in the Southern Carpathians
As reported by tvn24.pl, scientists explained that "in the case of Romania, hybridisation is a phenomenon caused by stray dogs that appeared in wolves' habitat. Their presence endangers the genetic health of the wolf population for decades to come".
"Although the finding may not look like a threat at the moment, it may evolve and lead over time to genetic degradation followed by total extinction of this species," Conservation Carpathia Foundation wrote in a statement.
The scientists reported that following the wolves was difficult because the amount of snow in the Carpathians has decreased significantly in recent years. They managed to collect genetic samples coming from the animals between November and May.
As we read on tvn24.pl, the aim of the research carried out by the Conservation Carpathia foundation is to gain information on the wolf population in Romania. The genetic research is long-term and still ongoing.
Source: tvn24.pl
