Comparison of grizzly bear hair-snag and scat sampling along roads to inform wildlife population monitoring

摘要: Wildlife managers conduct population inventories to monitor species, particularly those at-risk. Although costly and time consuming, grid-based DNA hair-snag sampling has been the standard protocol for grizzly bear in North America, while opportunistic fecal is more commonly used Europe. Our aim determine if low-cost, low-effort scat along roads can replace current standard. We compare two genetic non-invasive techniques using concurrent within same grid system spatially explicit capture–recapture. found that given our methodology present status of genotyping bears, cannot hair estimate size low-density areas. Hair identified majority individual with a higher success rate individuals from samples (100%) compared (14%). Using supplement data did not change estimates, but it improve precision. Scat had identifying species (98%) (80%). detected bears cells where showed non-detection, almost twice number indicating presence. Based on methods projected expenses future implementation, we estimated an approximate 30% cost reduction relative hair. research explores application approaches populations. recommend wildlife continue use as primary method inventories, employing supplemental increase may better indicate presence through greater numbers spatial distribution detections, systematic across entire area interest. findings speak management other regions, contribute ongoing advances monitoring