Red Wolf Hybridization Genetic Data for Bayesian Clustering Evaluation

Data from a study evaluating Bayesian clustering methods (BAPS and STRUCTURE) for detecting hybridization and introgression in a reintroduced red wolf population. The dataset uses 17 microsatellite loci from individuals with known ancestry percentages (50–100% red wolf), based on a detailed pedigree. It provides an empirical test case for assessing admixture estimation accuracy in endangered species management.

Use Cases

• Evaluate STRUCTURE and BAPS program performance on 17 microsatellite loci for ancestry estimation in admixed canids.
• Analyze the impact of training set composition and locus count on hybrid detection accuracy using known pedigree data.
• Compare Bayesian clustering results against a maximum-likelihood-based test for classifying individuals of 50-75% red wolf ancestry.

Strengths

• Empirical dataset with individuals of known ancestry percentages (50–100% red wolf) from a reconstructed pedigree.
• Uses 17 microsatellite loci, a standard marker type for population genetic studies of hybridization.
• Specifically designed to evaluate method performance in a real-world endangered species management context.

Limitations

• Dataset size (rows, columns) and specific file formats are not provided in the metadata.
• Genetic data is specific to a single red wolf population in North Carolina, USA, limiting geographic generalizability.
• Focuses on microsatellite loci; applicability to other genetic markers (e.g., SNPs) is not evaluated.

Provenance

Source

Justin H. Bohling via Dryad.

Collection Method

Genetic data (17 microsatellite loci) collected from a reintroduced red wolf population with a detailed pedigree.

Freshness

Last updated 2020-06-24.

Geography

Reintroduced red wolf population in North Carolina, USA.