Data from: Canis STR-seq: A universal approach for non-invasive genetic monitoring of wolves and coyotes

We note size homoplasy in 18 of 26 loci, with the number of alleles being 32% higher in the dataset that included sequence mutations (Namut=334) compared to the dataset based on size alone (Nalen=253). Bayesian cluster analysis was similar for both datasets, although 63 of 83 samples had higher assignment values to their primary cluster when mutations were considered. We document and code a list of sequence mutations associated with each locus and propose a framework for building an accessible, universal STR dataset for wolves, coyotes, and dogs that improves cluster assignments and admixture estimates in a system with complex demography and hybridization patterns.

Overall, the assay provides an improved method of genetic monitoring for improved conservation of wolf populations.