OT: Are we witness to a new species?

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by beetree on 06 February 2009 - 14:02

I found this study/article to be interesting regarding the difference between the western and eastern coyotes due to the presence of wolf DNA. Some of you might as well, so enjoy. There has been debate on reintroducing the wolf to the NorthEast, but this revelation could change everything.

www.projectcoyote.org/newsreleases/news_eastern.html

by missbeeb on 06 February 2009 - 14:02

Beetree, I find them quite fascinating... more so since I've learned a little more about them on PDB. I know some on the board have a very real problem with them living in their back yards, almost... but they are beautiful... and pretty smart too!

by Two Moons on 06 February 2009 - 15:02

Don't believe everything you read.

by beetree on 06 February 2009 - 16:02

Two Moons, there is valid DNA science to this and I have heard first hand from our local Zoo, that this is absolutely, irrevocably TRUELY happening, now.

I have to ask you, why are you always pissing on my parade? Have a great weekend, anyway.

by Two Moons on 06 February 2009 - 16:02

LOL....
I'm sorry, didn't mean to piss on your..........parade?
Just give me a hose and I'll try to clean it all up.

I'm not going to argue about it, I just aint in the mood.

Just don't believe everything you read.

I've been to this website before.

Moons.

by beetree on 06 February 2009 - 16:02

Missbeeb,

Yes, there is a very long season for their killing. The fact these "coy-wolves" are here in the NorthEast, and how they got here , is making the line between Endangered species (wolves) and open-season hunting of the Eastern Coyote a bit on the fuzzy side.

The actual wolf DNA found in our Eastern coyotes is related to that of the red wolf rather than the larger grey or timber wolf. And it was the elimination of wolves and the regrowth of our forests that set the scene and allowed mother nature to do what she does.

by Micky D on 06 February 2009 - 18:02

" The fact these "coy-wolves" are here in the NorthEast, and how they got here , is making the line between Endangered species (wolves) and open-season hunting of the Eastern Coyote a bit on the fuzzy side. "

I would think this hybrid would endanger wolves even more, much as free-range purebred dogs, if allowed to roam free with no breeding limits, would eventually evolve into a generic, mongrel pariah-type animal. This doesn't even take into consideration the danger posed by these animals to prey species, livestock, and pet cats and small dogs in their owners' fenced yards.

by Davren on 06 February 2009 - 18:02

I have to agree with Moons here and most "research" is subject to subjective response b the researchers. The author of this article states the following:

"As a biologist studying the eastern coyote, I see an incredibly adaptable and family-oriented animal that is personable, social, sentient and an important member of the ecological community. I have a moral and ethical problem with the fact that most states (42 out of 49) treat them as vermin, especially since only a minority of people hunt, and wildlife watching is now a considerably bigger component of our economy."

This make me wonder if the author is attempting to protect the coyotes by producing concern for the endangered wolf? I am not saying this is the only possibility, only to offer some potential explanation. Often times, something that has a well-intended appearance, has a politically driven center.

Ostensibly, the author is passionate about the coyote and I admire him/her for having a cause. However, in our area, coyotes are vermin and cause great damage to young livestock and pets at times.

Just my opinion....

by Sunsilver on 06 February 2009 - 19:02

Very interesting article, especially for me as I live very close to Algonquin Park. DNA testing done in the 1990's showed that Algonquin's wolves were red wolves, not timber wolves as had been previously thought.

Although the population within the park is protected, their numbers are in decline, and their survival as a species is in serious doubt. Human interference is a factor, as the wolves do hunt outside the park, where hunters can shoot them. A number are also killed by motor vehicles. However, the newest threat to their survival is interbreeding with coyotes!

by 4pack on 06 February 2009 - 19:02

I agree 100% with Davren. When the article turned personal, I was turned off. Sounds like some PETA tree hugger wrote the damn thing. There is a reason Coyotes are hunted year round and it's not because they are in any danger of being endangered. Around here you could go out and shoot 10, just to have 10 more fill their place within the week.

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