GULF COAST CANINE PROJECT and Ghost wolves IN THE NEWS

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2024 

​Since our initial discovery in 2018 of red wolf ancestry in the unique Gulf Coast canids on Galveston Island, TX, known locally as Ghost Wolves, our commitment to this study system has only deepened. Our focus has been particularly on the East Beach Pack, a distinctive family group thriving on the island's east end. In October 2023, we learned of a critical threat to the Galveston Island Ghost Wolves. The core habitat of the East Beach pack is slated for development into a sprawling 60-acre Margaritaville resort, a project that stands as one of the largest in eastern Galveston. This development raises serious concerns about the ecological impact on the island's unique Ghost Wolves and the broader environmental health. In response, we have aligned with the 'Ghost Wolf Team,' a coalition of passionate local and national conservation leaders. Our mission is clear: to advocate for environmentally conscious development. We've engaged with local leadership and the developers, proposing innovative solutions like wildlife-friendly design features and wildlife corridors. These discussions are pivotal in ensuring that development in the region progresses hand-in-hand with the needs of its native wildlife. Here are the news stories that featured our town hall and community involvement.
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• ​​​The International Wildlife Coexistence Network (IWCN) blog entry, "Southern Hospitality for The Ghost Wolves of Galveston"
• Fox26 Houston  Galveston coyotes carry extinct red wolf DNA and Galveston 'ghost wolves': Town hall to discuss unique coyotes with red wolf DNA
• Galveston Daily News Ghost wolf' supporters set to howl about development near East Beach
• Chron All anyone in Galveston wants to talk about these days is coyotes
• Houston Public Media Galveston to hold town hall meeting over “Ghost Wolf”, a mix of a coyote and a red wolf
• The Beaumont Enterprise Researchers host town hall for ghost wolves conservation in Galveston
• KHOU11 Galveston residents concerned resort, waterpark will displace prized pack of island's 'ghost wolves'
• Texas Monthly Magazine (subscription needed, sorry); "The Ghost Wolves of Galveston vs. Margaritaville", April 23, 2024
• Galveston Daily New  Guest commentary: Loss of Galveston ghost wolf can inspire call to action
  

On 25 April 2024, Josh Henderson, an original/ongoing member of GCCP's and the Executive Director of the Galveston Island Humane Society, was recognized as the Environmentalist of Year 2024! This Rotarian award was presented at a meeting by Artist Boat's Executive Director, Karla Klay.

• The Gulf Coast Canine Project and Ghost Wolf Team both adore Josh and value his incredible role for ghost wolves and research to continue learning about them and developing non-lethal coexistence strategies. He is the type of leader we all need advocating for a sustainable world for all species and habitats.
• "Josh deserves this award for being pivotal in the research to track and understand the land usage of our fancy coyotes which, has led to national recognition of their unique DNA containing red wolf genetics. Additionally, Josh makes sure every injured coastal or migrating bird get to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, that our ferrel cat population is reduced and reduces bird fatalities as prey, and that any wildlife challenges in people’s yards are addressed with the safety of both in mind! Bravo!" -Artist Boat

Josh Henderson, the Environmentalist of Year 2024 (Rotarian award)!

​2023 

• PBS EcoSense for Living Messing with Mother Nature

2022

• New York Times The Ghost Wolves of Galveston Island
• ABC Australia's Nightlife Ghost DNA and the quest to save the red wolf
• Houston Chronicle Collaring the coyotes: Galveston hopes devices help animals, humans better coexist​ 
• ABC News  Endangered red wolf populations could be revived with 'ghost' genes from coyotes, scientists say only 20 to 30 red wolves currently exist in the wild, conservationists say.
• CNN ‘Ghost genes’ from coyotes could help save critically endangered red wolves, study says.
• KHOU11 News Houston live news Scientists researching unique 'ghost wolves' on Galveston Island.
• KPRC2 News Houston live news Red Wolf DNA discovered in Galveston coyotes, researchers say.
• Washington Post (30 Oct 2022) Mark Trail comic

2020

• Coastal Review Study to Look Closer at Red Wolf Ancestry

2019

• CBS News Texas canines contain DNA of red wolves declared extinct in 1980
• The Atlantic ​The Secret Identity of a Coyote-Like Creature
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine Mystery Canine of Galveston Island
• Treehugger Mysterious Texas Canines Have 'Ghost' DNA of Red Wolves
• Texas Monthly Extinct Red Wolf DNA Discovered

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2018

• Wildlife Society Hybrids - And Possibly Full Red Wolf - Found on La. and Tx. Coast 
• Michigan Tech A Future For Red Wolves May Be Found on Galveston Island
• Galveston News Island coyotes carry 'ghost' genes of red wolves
• Princeton Red Wolf DNA Found in Mysterious Texas Canines​

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