Noninvasive sampling and genetic variability, pack structure, and dynamics in an expanding wolf population

摘要: Abstract After centuries of population decline and range contraction, gray wolves (Canis lupus) are now expanding in Europe. Understanding wolf social structure dynamics predicting their future expansion is mandatory to design sound conservation strategies, but field monitoring methods difficult or exceedingly expensive. Noninvasive genetic sampling offers unique opportunities for the reliable populations. We conducted a 9-year-long program large area (approximately 19,171 km2) northern Italy, aiming identify individuals, estimate kinship, reconstruct packs, describe dynamics. Of 5,065 biological samples (99% scats), we genotyped sexed 44% reliably using 12 unlinked autosomal microsatellites, 4 Y-linked diagnostic mitochondrial DNA control-region sequence. identified 414 wolves, 88 dogs, 16 × dog hybrids. Wolves study belonged at least 42 packs. reconstructed genealo...