Canis lupus baileyi, the Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest subspecies of the gray wolf, known for its mottled coat, social pack behavior, and role as a top predator in its ecosystem. Its genome reveals low genetic diversity due to a severe population bottleneck, but also contains unique adaptations that reflect its historical range and ecological niche in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03451-0

Author: Laura Espachs (Institut Manresa SIS)