Data from: RAD sequencing and genomic simulations resolve hybrid origins within North American Canis

Top predators are disappearing worldwide, significantly changing
ecosystems that depend on top-down regulation. Conflict with humans
remains the primary roadblock for large carnivore conservation, but for
the eastern wolf (Canis lycaon), disagreement over its evolutionary
origins presents a significant barrier to conservation in Canada and has
impeded protection for grey wolves (Canis lupus) in the USA. Here, we use
127 235 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified from
restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) of wolves and
coyotes, in combination with genomic simulations, to test hypotheses of
hybrid origins of Canis types in eastern North America. A principal
components analysis revealed no evidence to support eastern wolves, or any
other Canis type, as the product of grey wolf × western coyote
hybridization. In contrast, simulations that included eastern wolves as a
distinct taxon clarified the hybrid origins of Great Lakes-boreal wolves
and eastern coyotes. Our results support the eastern wolf as a distinct
genomic cluster in North America and help resolve hybrid origins of Great
Lakes wolves and eastern coyotes. The data provide timely information that
will shed new light on the debate over wolf conservation in eastern North
America.