Non-invasive genetic population density estimation of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in the Alps: systematic or opportunistic sampling?

摘要: The development and evaluation of a reliable non-invasive genetic sampling (NIGS) is crucial step towards accurately reliably estimating population size for the long-term monitoring wildlife species. We used NIGS data to obtain density estimates mountain hare (Lepus timidus) in Swiss Alps. evaluated compared effectiveness systematic opportunistic their combination spring 2014. Extraction success rate DNA from faeces, hair urine samples, age-dependent variation as well completeness microsatellite genotyping were measures effectiveness. applied spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) approach estimate minimum size. found that extraction faecal samples decreased with time since excretion mostly yielded insufficient successful individuals. Mountain faeces up 5 days old are most appropriate because risk unsuccessful or errors/failure considerably lower these samples. Systematic revealed more genotypes than sampling, but latter resulted higher numbers recapture thus, increased spatial resolution data. Depending on design, ranged 3.2 3.6 hares per 100 ha. This study informs ecologists managers about suitable survey techniques free-ranging lagomorph populations addresses important principles accurate methods other elusive species inhabit difficult, mountainous terrain.