Genetic Tagging Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer Using Hair Snares

摘要: Use of noninvasive DNA-based tissue sampling (e.g., hair, scats) for individual identi cation in wildlife studies has increased markedly recent years. Although eld techniques collecting hair samples have been developed several species, we are unaware their use with free-ranging ungulates. From December 2004 to August 2005 evaluated the e cacy barbed wire snaring suitable genetic analyses from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on trails and at baited sites. During initial trials a semi-captive herd northern Ohio, demonstrated avoidance positioned game through four weeks but entered sites 3 trees. In treeless areas, metal or wood posts could be substituted. Hair snare height con guration adapted other ungulate species. OHIO J SCI 107 (4): 50-56, 2007 1Corresponding author: Jerrold L. Belant, National Park Service, Pictured Rocks Science Center, Box 40, Munising, MI 49862. Phone: 906-3874818. Fax: 906-387-2029. Email: Jerry_Belant@nps.gov INTRODUCTION Overabundance populations become one most di cult issues facing managers (Warren 1997). At high densities, browsing herbivory can adversely ect plant community composition structure (Waller Alverson 1997, Frankland Nelson 2003, Pedersen Wallis 2004). Cascading ecological ects include indirect uences avian insect abundance (Miller et al. 1992, deCalesta 1994, Ostfeld 1996). Additionally, icts between humans may agricultural loss, zoonoses, property damage landscaping, collisions vehicles (Conover 1995, Conover Similarly, overabundance is pervasive management issue units eastern United States Shafer-Nolan 1997); deer-vehicle impacts native plants frequently reported (Frost Porter For example, six nine national park within western Great Lakes region contain overabundant that presently ecting vegetation Robinson 1980, Balgooyen Waller EDAW 2003). Development long-term monitoring associated research considered necessary resolve these ensure ective Numerous available monitor including aerial surveys, spotlighting, forward-looking infrared, pellet counts Beringer 1998, Belant Seamans 2000). More recently, markers microsatellite DNA) ed numerous species Foran DNA panel validated (Anderson 2002, DeYoung Individual assignment testing assessing natal origin used determine dispersal population history (Beaumont Bruford 1999 [in 2003]), addition estimates precision (Foran An important advantage using analysis it obtained animals without capture 2005). snares (Raphael Woods 1999, McDaniel 2000, 2003), any noninvasively collect deer. provide cost-e accurate means estimate size areas where not harvested impractical large roadless forested areas). Our goal was develop method determining relatedness Speci cally, sought ectiveness remove genotype MATERIALS AND METHODS