The Mexican gray wolf has, from its discovery, been considered distinct. Its size, morphology, and coloration distinguish the Mexican gray wolf from other North American wolves. Genetic and genomic analyses confirm that the Mexican gray wolf is the most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolves in North America.

For example, Fitak et al. (2018) genotyped Mexican gray wolves, northern gray wolves, and domestic dogs at more than 172,000 SNPs. They found that Mexican gray wolves are highly distinct from northern gray wolves and that they lack any detectable admixture from dogs.

To differentiate these hypotheses, we conducted comparative whole-genome analyses of five historical Mexican wolves (1907-1917) and 18 contemporary Mexican and grey wolves from North America and Eurasia. Based on whole-genome data, historical and modern Mexican wolves together form a discrete unit.

Explore the intricate balance of genetic diversity, social structures, and behaviors that define the survival of Mexican wolves. Mexican wolves, also known as “lobos,” are a subspecies of the gray wolf native to North America. They hold a critical place in the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and maintaining balance within their habitats.