The Canine Ancestry Project
Currently Collecting Coyote Samples from Texas and Louisiana!
I never tire of learning about wild canids and I’m proud to be a contributor and act as a local Texas coordinator for this research project!
The Canine Ancestry Project is a collaborative project led by Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt of Princeton University. It is represented by multiple institutions and experts in canine biology, ecology and genetics. The objective is to explore the genetic consequences of admixed ancestry in the context of selection and the impact on an expanding species range. The project will also will work to estimate the extent and timing of gene flow between coyote and wolves across North America during the past 1,000 years.
The Canine Ancestry Project is looking for interested individuals who are willing to donate a small, pea-sized tissue sample of Texas or Louisiana coyotes for genetic research. Only basic information is needed on the animals sampled (no personal information is gathered).
Individuals/Animal Control Officers/biologists/birders etc. who come across roadkill coyotes
Wildlife rehabbers/wildlife organizations/rescue centers who are able to provide coyote tissue samples
Texas sportsmen trapping/hunting coyotes (or have carcasses)
To report roadkill coyotes in Texas or Louisiana, or to receive sampling supplies if you are interested in collecting samples, please email:
Project Director Bridgett vonHoldt vonholdt@princeton.edu
NE and Central Texas Project Coordinator Karin Saucedo at karin.saucedo@gmail.com
Louisiana Project Coordinator Amy Shutt at thecanidproject@gmail.com
The Canine Ancestry Project has now published papers as a result of population genomic analysis of North American canids. This is only the beginning of the genetic investigations into the current composition of our local canines. Recent papers include:
Heppenheimer et al. (2020) A genomie-wide perspective on the persistence on red wolf ancestry in southeastern canids. Journal of Heredity 111(3), 277-286 [abstract].
Heppenheimer et al. (2018) High genomic diversity and candidate genes under selection associated with range expansion in eastern coyote (Canis latrans) populations. Ecology & Evolution. DOI:10.1002/ece3.4688) [abstract]
Heppenheimer et al.(2018) Population genomic analysis of North American eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) supports their conservation priority status. Genes 9(12), 606 [abstract]
Heppenheimer et al.(2018) Rediscovery of red wolf ghost alleles in a canid population along the American Gulf Coast. Genes 9(12), 618 [abstract]
This project is only possible through the generous efforts and sample donations from many people from various government agencies (e.g. USDA, DNR), numerous sportsmen and interested communities and individuals. We thank everyone for their help and cooperation!
Project Director Bridgett vonHoldt vonholdt@princeton.edu
Please visit the project website at: canineancestry.princeton.edu
See also: redwolfproject.com or gulfcoastcanineproject.org
Clic here to read the latest New York Times article related to this work.