Wolf hybrid discovered in Europe, rekindling debate about gray wolves

(Dan Tri) - For the first time, a wolf hybrid dog has been confirmed in Greece, opening a new chapter in the complex story of the return of gray wolves to European lands.

The Callisto environmental and conservation organization recently recorded a wolf hybrid near Thessaloniki, Greece, during its analysis of 50 wolf samples from the country's mainland.

Analysis results showed that this individual had a genetic composition of 45% wolf and 55% dog, clearly demonstrating successful mating between gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) and domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ).

This discovery is particularly important as it reflects an increase in the wolf population and an expansion of their distribution range in Greece.

Although there are major differences in appearance between a wild wolf and some domestic dog breeds like the pug or chihuahua, the truth is that they are extremely closely related.

Domestic dogs and wild wolves share 99.96% of their DNA and their evolutionary path diverged from a common wolf ancestor between 14,000 and 40,000 years ago.

Wolf populations have exploded across Europe in recent years, although not everyone is happy about their return (Photo: Michael LaRosa).

In biology, two different species are often unable to mate to produce fertile offspring due to chromosomal incompatibility, typically a horse and a donkey producing a sterile mule.

However, dogs, gray wolves, and many other canids all possess 78 chromosomes arranged in 39 pairs. This high genetic compatibility allows them to mate successfully and produce fertile hybrids.

The phenomenon of dog-wolf hybridization is not new to science . A 2018 study found “small chunks of dog ancestry” in the genomes of 62% of wolves sampled in Eurasia.

In the United States, it is estimated that there are more than 300,000 wolf-dog hybrids living. This phenomenon usually occurs when a female dog strays from her home in heat and mates with a wild male wolf.

The appearance of wolf-dog hybrids in Greece is a clear sign that the wolf population is thriving. A recent survey by Callisto estimated that there were around 2,075 wolves in Greece, a significant increase from previous decades.

However, the return of wolves, while good news for conservation, has caused deep concern among local people. The increase in wolf range has led to an increase in reported attacks in some areas, causing conflict between humans and wildlife.

In a recent shocking incident, a five-year-old girl was mauled by a wolf while playing on the beach in the Halkidiki peninsula.

The appearance of wolf-dog hybrids in Greece highlights an evolving and complex relationship between humans, domestic animals, and the modern wild world .

It poses a challenge for conservationists to manage expanding wolf populations while ensuring the safety of local communities, finding a sustainable coexistence in a Europe where the boundary between city and wild is becoming increasingly fragile.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/phat-hien-cho-lai-soi-o-chau-au-khoi-lai-tranh-cai-ve-loai-soi-xam-20251009023825893.htm