A Report On The Taxonomic Status And Distribution Of The Red Wolf

A Report on the Taxonomic Status and Distribution of the Red Wolf

Comparison of 213 skulls of Canis rufus with 214 C. lupus and 335 C. latrans indicate that the red wolf is a distinct species. Before human disruption of the environment, rufus, lups, and latrans maintained their distinct status, and available specimens show no evidence that the red wolf intergraded with either coyote or gray wolf. A series of 71 skulls shows a complete variation from typical rufus to typical latrans. Apparently modification and decline of the red wolf population led to the breakdown of isolation and the formation of a hybrid swarm that suggests possible interbreeding with the coyote. Specimens indicate that as red wolves were extirpated in eastern Texas and elsewhere, a hybrid swarm moved eastward to occupy the niche that was created. By 1969, the swarm spread throughout most of eastern Texas and moved into Louisiana. Pure red wolves continued to survive only in a limited area along the Gulf Coast from Brazoria Counties, Texas, and in Cameron Parish.

A Survey of the Red Wolf (Canis Rufus)

This paper discusses the red wolf's (Canis rufus) status, distribution and ecology; and describes and differentiates the red wolf from the closely related canids. Difficulties in distinguishing red wolves from coyotes (Canis latrans) and red wolf-coyote hybrids have resulted in much confusion over the range and status of the red wolf.

Red Wolf Recovery Plan