Estimation of the brown bear population on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

摘要: The brown bear population on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, has not been empirically estimated previously because conventional aerial methods over this heavily forested landscape were infeasible. We applied a rapid field protocol to DNA-based, mark-recapture approach large and tightly bounded sample frame estimate abundance. used lure attract bears barbed wire stations deployed in 145 9-km × 9-km cells systematically distributed across 10,200 km2 of available habitat National Wildlife Refuge Chugach Forest during 31 consecutive days early summer 2010. Using 2 helicopters 4 2-person crews, we 6-day period subsequently revisited these 5 5-day trap sessions. extracted DNA identify individual developed capture histories as input models. Combined with data from radio-telemetered bears, ≥243 alive Peninsula 2010, but only 99 females 104 males modeling. Akaike's Information Criterion selection model averaging 428 (95% lognormal CI = 353–539) (including all age classes) study area. Despite low recaptures rates, achieved reasonable precision by ensuring geographic demographic closure through spatially comprehensive very short sampling window. reduced bias including information rub trees telemetered (i.e., occasion 0). Extrapolating density 42 bears/1,000 km2 area suggests peninsula-wide 582 CI = 469−719). that is compared other coastal populations Alaska genetic evidence peninsular insular, harvest management liberalized since 2012. recommend serve benchmark for future management. Published 2015. This article U.S. Government work public domain USA.