Estimating gray wolf pack size and family relationships using noninvasive genetic sampling at rendezvous sites

摘要: Studying the ecology and behavior of pack animals often requires that most, or all, members are sampled. A unique opportunity to sample all gray wolf (Canis lupus) arises during summer months when reproductive packs localize in rendezvous sites. We collected 155–296 scat hair samples from each 5 sites central Idaho evaluate intrapack relationships determine efficacy noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) for estimating size family relationships. detected 65 wolves (5–20 per pack) with NGS, counts NGS were same higher adults slightly lower pups compared observation telemetry. The closely related one another, included at least 2 years offspring current breeding pair. Three had additional present. In 1 produced by a parent–offspring pair their inbred full siblings, indicating multiple cases inbreeding. This targeted approach shows great promise studying social structure without use radiotelemetry direct observations.