Data from: Describing a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in eastern North Carolina, USA

When hybridizing species come into contact, understanding the processes
that regulate their interactions can help predict the future outcome of
the system. This is especially relevant in conservation situations where
human activities can influence hybridization dynamics. We investigated a
developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in North Carolina,
USA to elucidate patterns of hybridization in a system heavily managed for
preservation of the red wolf genome. Using noninvasive genetic sampling of
scat, we surveyed a 2880 km2 region adjacent to the Red Wolf Experimental
Population Area (RWEPA). We combined microsatellite genotypes collected
from this survey with those from companion studies conducted both within
and outside the RWEPA to describe the gradient of red wolf ancestry. A
total of 311 individuals were genotyped at 17 loci and red wolf ancestry
decreased along an east–west gradient across the RWEPA. No red wolves were
found outside the RWEPA, yet half of individuals found within this area
were coyotes. Hybrids composed only 4% of individuals within this
landscape despite co-occurrence of the two species throughout the RWEPA.
The low proportion of hybrids suggests that a combination of active
management and natural isolating mechanisms may be limiting intermixing
within this hybrid system.