Sample diversity adds value to non-invasive genetic assessment of a pine marten (Martes martes) population in Galloway Forest, southwest Scotland

摘要: The European pine marten (Martes martes) is a species of considerable conservation interest in Britain due to its rarity and status as recovering native carnivore. In recent years, there has been increased application non-invasive genetic sampling methods population studies Martes species. We investigated the effect sample source (hair faeces) assessment distribution, size density martens Fleet Basin Galloway Forest, southwest Scotland. Fifty-two hair samples 114 scats were collected during September October 2014. Genetic analysis was used identify species, gender individual genotype samples. There significant difference genotyping success rate for (43 %) scat (24 %). total, 15 identified; 7 males 8 females. Capture-recapture programme Capwire produced estimate 18 individuals (95 % CI 25). Of sampled, 14 (93 %) detected from 5 (33 %) sampling. post-breeding 0.13 0.15 per square kilometre which towards lower limit densities reported elsewhere Data study highlight that future aiming determine should incorporate collection both order detect many within possible.