Method to Monitor Travel Corridor Use by Black Bears Along the Eastern Boundary of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

摘要: Black bears and other wildlife species are impacted by highway systems associated traffic loads in many ways. There is growing concern among government natural resource agencies, environmental groups transportation agencies over the effects of roads on wildlife. Roads often cross animal travel corridors. Use these corridors difficult to monitor, various methods have been devised determine specific crossing points. I am using barbed wire stretched along a section at proposed expansion site if existing roadbed predictable places different times year. Also, hair samples collected from will be subjected DNA fingerprinting number individuals road, how an individual crosses, sex individuals. Highway planners may then use data place bridges or culverts where them. This study has only recently begun, but initial results very promising. It likely prove useful for monitoring corridor besides bears. Funding source: U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Total budget: $50K/year two years Project period: June 2000-June 2002