“…In wolf research, genetic methods are used to assess population distribution, numbers, the size of packs and their territories [ 3 , 4 ], to characterize dispersal habits [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], to detect breeding [ 4 , 9 ], to recognize individuals and determine kinship structure [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], to study population genetic parameters, phylogenetic, and systematic issues [ 10 , 14 , 15 ], and to detect hybridization between different species [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. As the grey wolf is a protected species in many countries, genetic material is mostly obtained noninvasively [ 1 , 3 , 6 , 15 , 19 , 20 ], and less often from legally or illegally hunted or accidentally killed animals [ 3 , 12 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Information obtained from genetic analyses is important for management decisions in small, endangered, and isolated populations to ensure their survival [ 21 , 24 ].…”