Identifying gray wolf packs and dispersers using noninvasive genetic samples

摘要: Many animals, including gray wolves (Canis lupus), live in social groups. Genetic techniques can help reveal the structure and composition of groups, providing valuable information about group population dynamics. We evaluated effectiveness using noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) fecal hair samples at wolf rendezvous sites combined with spatial assignment criteria for assigning individuals to packs, detecting dispersers lone wolves, determining number packs an area, obtaining metrics. applied this approach 4 study areas covering 13,182 km2 Idaho, USA while concurrently monitoring telemetry techniques. assigned pack affiliation 78–97% across identified 12 potential dispersers. detected a successful gene flow event by reconstructing breeding male's genotype tracing it back origin Average size was consistent between our NGS- telemetry-based counts (x¯ = 10 both), both methods similar age within groups (31% pups 69% adults NGS 33% 67% telemetry). Our has advantage metrics sex ratio, inferred breeders, intra-pack relatedness that observational alone cannot. This field strategy method provides characterizing functional absence previously acquired NGS, telemetry, or other data may not be available when new areas. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.