Wolf-dog hybrid found in Romania

Foundation Conservation Carpathia recently stumbled upon a wolf-dog hybrid in the Southern Carpathian forests. As of now, this hybridization does not endanger the ecosystem. However, potential future threats to the wolf population are possible, as indicated in the foundation's statement.

Foundation Conservation Carpathia, in an announcement quoted by Digi24.ro, stated, "Though hybridization appears to be a minor issue right now, it could evolve, leading to genetic degradation and potentially causing extinction of the wolf species."

As clarified in the statement, the hybridization phenomenon in Romania is generally caused by stray dogs inhabiting areas shared by wolves. Researchers warn that these dogs could risk the genetic health of the wolf species in future decades.

As a part of the study, scientists analyzed the genetic material from both wolves and dogs found in the research area.

The primary aim of the Carpathia Conservation Foundation's research is to gather data about the wolf population in Romania. Genetic studies, as stated, are a long-term endeavor and will continue.

The foundation's message also notated, "Estimations of population size and density based on the frequency of recorded individual sightings on researchers' forest cameras. These parameters are crucial for the species' protection and the development of coexistence strategies with local communities".

Data suggests that in the Southern Carpathians, the wolf population density is only one wolf per every 39 square miles. This is less than the 2 to 4 wolves per 39 square miles found in the US Yellowstone National Park (based on 2015 data) or in the Northern Apennines. Nevertheless, it surpasses that of Scandinavia, where, due to significant genetic decline, the wolf density was 0.01 per 39 square miles in 2021.

Official estimates state that Romania's wolf population is around 3000.