The morphological relationship of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in national parks of central Canada

Abstract

Multivariate analysis of 15 morphometric cranial characters elucidates the relationship of eight groups of wolves (Canis lupus) from central North America. The relationship of Prince Albert National Park wolves to the now (probably) extinct Great Plains wolf (C. l. nubilus) is of particular interest. Although the eight groups are not distinct, with considerable overlap occurring, there are meaningful geographic trends. Five basic groups emerge, with wolves in the boreal–subalpine forest regions being the largest in size.