Hair snaring and molecular genetic identification for reconstructing the spatial structure of Eurasian lynx populations

摘要: Abstract Non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) is being increasingly applied in wildlife monitoring and population research. This study was designed to evaluate the use of NGS for reconstructing spatial structure populations large felids. We developed a procedure reliably genotyping individuals Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from samples obtained through hair-trapping scheme based on network scent-marking sites. The locations identified genotypes were matched with home ranges distribution radio-tracked individuals, thus cross-checking accuracy two methods. analyzed DNA extracted 170 hair 11 blood live-trapped collected 2004–2009 Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. PCR products 96 (67%) samples; 82 (85%) them genotyped at 12 autosomal microsatellite loci following multiple-tubes protocol stringent quality-controls data set. sample included 29 distinct genotypes; 18 found only samples, five determined animals, six both samples. Based linkage disequilibrium we estimated an effective size Ne = 20.3 (90% CI = 15–28). total Capwire Nc = 32 (95% CI = 25–37) close agreement observed number genotypes. re-sampled average 3.9 times 50% recorded more than one year. hair-genotypes consistent their by radio-tracking same period. hair-trapped overlapped 86.4% (mode 100%) corresponding individuals. Hair-trapping molecular identification reliable method organization population. It likely be also efficiently used other rare endangered species felids combination techniques, such as radio- snow-tracking photo-trapping.