Genetic sex determination in two species of wolf (Canis lupus) and dog (Canis lupus familiaris) using Y chromosome microsatellite markers

Large carnivores، such as the wolf (Canis lupus)، play several important ecological roles in their ecosystems. Due to a number of serious threats، wolf populations are undergoing rapid declines in Iran، indicating the necessity of conservation actions for species'' survival. The genetic structure of populations is one of the important questions still remaining to wolf management. Due to serious problems in direct sampling، researchers prefer to obtain their genetic samples indirectly from feces or hair، which hampers sex determination. This study using microsatellite markers in the Y chromosome determines the sex of sampled wolves and dogs. In the present study، the control region of mitochondrial DNA (D-LOOP) markers was used as controls to increase the accuracy of the tests. Sex was determined according to whether bands were formed or not in the Y chromosome in two special Microsatellites. This method of sex determination using the sex chromosomes is a useful tool in studies related to wildlife management and conservation.