Wolf survival and population trend using non-invasive capture-recapture techniques in the Western Alps

摘要: Summary 1. Reliable estimates of population parameters are often necessary for conservation management but these hard to obtain elusive, rare and wide-ranging species such as wolves Canis lupus. This has naturally recolonized parts its former habitat in Western Europe; however, an accurate cost-effective method assess trend survival not been implemented yet. 2. We used open-model capture–recapture (CR) sampling with non-invasive individual identifications derived from faecal genotyping estimate abundance the Alps between 1999 2006. Our strategy reduced heterogeneity recaptures, thus minimizing bias increasing precision estimates. 3. Young had lower apparent annual rates (0AE24 ± 0AE06) than adult (0AE82 0AE04); were summer winter both young adults. The wolf study area increased 21 9AE6 47 11AE 2w olves late 2005; growth rate (k =1 AE04 0AE27) was that recorded other recolonizing populations. 4. found a positive abundance, regardless used. However, based on snow-tracking average 36AE2% (SD = 13AE6%) CR modelling, because dispersing likely have sign detection snow-track surveys, problem adequately addressed by sampling. 5. Synthesis applications. successfully new large carnivore at spatial scales. These first Italy important implications. approach can be widely applied broader temporal scales elusive Europe elsewhere.