Gulf coast canids: A wetland coyote ecotype shaped by red wolf introgression

Morphology and behavior are fundamental components of ecology because phenotypic variation influences the distribution and abundance of species, interspecific interactions, and community assemblages. Hybridization and introgression can increase phenotypic variation when novel traits accompany new genetic variants. Assessing the adaptive role of introgression requires linking increased phenotypic variation to ecologically relevant population processes such as reproduction, survival, emigration, and immigration. Recent research confirmed significant red wolf (Canis rufus) ancestry in coyote (Canis latrans) populations along the coastal region of the Texas-Louisiana border, USA, where the last known red wolves existed prior to their extirpation from the wild. Coyotes in this region are referred to as ‘Gulf Coast canids’ by some because the magnitude and impact of the observed introgression is not well understood yet. We conducted a phenotypic assessment of Gulf Coast canids to explore whet..., , # Gulf coast canids: A wetland coyote ecotype shaped by red wolf introgression

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.mgqnk99cw](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.mgqnk99cw)

## Description of the data and file structure

This study focused on a series of objectives designed to acquire data on coyote morphology, spatial ecology, survival, and diet in southwestern Louisiana. The specific objectives were to:

1\) assess coyote morphology,

2\) assess coyote space use to identify areas where territories were established,

3\) assess and compare habitat selection of resident and transient coyotes,

4\) estimate and compare survival of resident and transient coyotes,

5\) preliminary assessment of diet of resident coyotes.

### Files and variables

#### File: 01._Gulf_Coast_canid_captures.xlsx

**Description:** This file includes dates of capture of study animals, morphometrics, and duration of monitoring. Cells with missing data are marked as “N/A” (not available).

##### Variables

* Field ID: ID given ...,