Geographical assignment of polar bears using multi-element isoscapes.

摘要: Wide-ranging apex predators are among the most challenging of all fauna to conserve and manage. This is especially true polar bear (Ursus maritimus), an iconic predator that hunted in Canada threatened by global climate change. We used combinations stable isotopes (13C,15N,2H,18O) hair from > 1000 individuals, sampled from across much Canadian Arctic sub-Arctic, test ability isotopic profiles ‘assign’ bears (1) predefined managed subpopulations, (2) subpopulations defined similarities isotope values using quadratic discriminant analysis, (3) spatially explicit, isotopically distinct clusters derived interpolated (i.e. ‘kriged’) landscapes, or ‘isoscapes’, partitioning around medoids algorithm. A four-isotope solution provided highest overall assignment accuracies (~80%) pre-existing management with accuracy rates ranging ~30–99% (median = 64%). Assignment hierarchically clustered ecological groups based on ranged ~64–99%. Multivariate resulted 68% (33–77%), 84% (47–96%) 74% (53–85%) two, three four groups, respectively. The resulting spatial structure inherent multiple compositions tissues a powerful forensic tool will, this case, contribute conservation species. Currently, it unclear what driving these robust patterns future research needed evaluate processes behind pattern. Nonetheless, our approach can be further applied other mammalian under threat, such as large felids, providing occurs throughout their range.