The mass slaughter of wolves over the centuries in North America has caused more damage then we could ever have guessed. As far-fetched as it sounds it could push wolves to extinction. A 2004 study in New Scientist found wolves in Canada have lost 43% of the their genetic diversity. This is very concerning, it means wolves are becoming increasingly inbred. This can effect them negatively in so many ways. Weaker immune systems unable to fight off disease, skeletal deformities, the inability to withstand increased hunting pressure, smaller litters. It’s a shocking find, yet very little attention has been given to this important study.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:05:51 +0000