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Eastern wolves (Canis sp. cf. lycaon) are listed as a threatened species in Canada due to their small population size. There may be as few as 500 of these wolves left in the world, and more than 60% are estimated to live in Ontario (the rest inhabiting Quebec). Likely, the species once extended south into the eastern United States, and occupied southern Ontario.
Currently, Eastern wolves seem to be largely restricted to protected areas such as Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Parks, Kawartha Highlands Signature Site and Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands. Elsewhere, the landscape is probably home to eastern coyotes, and further north, to grey wolves. However, not all regions have been surveyed.
Earthroots launched the Ontario Wolf Survey project in 2016 to help fill in gaps in the survey effort across Ontario. Our citizen scientist volunteers collect DNA scat samples from large coyotes and wolves non-invasively. We deliver these samples to Trent University to be profiled to species (Eastern wolf, eastern coyote, or grey wolf). DNA also indicates sex (female/male) and can be used to create family trees, determining relatedness between individuals.
Collectively, these data will help inform the species’ Recovery Strategy. As part of the Ontario Wolf Survey, Earthroots facilitates DNA collection by the general public in areas of priority. Please contact us if you live or regularly visit private property or crown land between the above-mentioned provincial parks.
As part of the Ontario Wolf Survey, Earthroots facilitates DNA collection by the general public in areas of priority. Please contact us at info@earthroots.org if you live or regularly visit private property or crown land between the above-mentioned provincial parks.
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