THE PROGRAMME► Research ► Genetics

The genetics of the Ethiopian wolf: implications of their mating system and for their conservation
Prepared by Deborah Randal, April 2005

The objectives of this project are
• to explore the contribution that molecular genetics can make to our understanding of the Ethiopian wolf's behavioural ecology, and
• to examine the importance of genetic considerations in the overall requirements for the species' survival.

The first component of this research will specifically use molecular genetic techniques to examine the Ethiopian wolf's mating system. Parentage analysis of pups will be used to determine which individuals in the population are reproducing and to quantify 1) the magnitude of reproduction by subordinates particularly males, and 2) the level of multiple and extra-pair paternity among litters and within the population as a whole.

Mating The second component will investigate the impact of social and behavioural factors on the level and distribution of genetic variation within the wolf population. This will include comparison of genetic variability among social groups and sub-populations to determine the patterns by which genetic variation is partitioned in the population. The results will be used to model the loss of genetic variability over time in different population scenarios and will accurately determine the need for metapopulation management.

The study focuses on wolves in the Bale Mountains and particularly the packs in the Web valley and Sanetti plateau. A further study population (Morebawa) will be included in the forthcoming field season. Together these three areas comprise the major wolf areas in Bale.

Faecal samples are collected from wolves seen to be defecating and preserved in 96% ethanol. Samples have been collected from all animals in the Web valley and from the pups (from around the dens) in Sanetti. Molecular analyses are ongoing at present, but sufficient variation has been found to identify individuals.

All genetic analyses for this study are being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Robert Wayne at the University of California, Los Angeles. Deborah is carrying out her DPhil within the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) in the department of Zoology of the University of Oxford. She is working with Hussein Adam to collect the data in the field.