Population size and effective population size are important factors affecting probability of extinction of small, isolated population. Hence, from conservation perspective, it is recommended to monitor changes in population size of endangered species. Genetic methods, based on genetic profiling of non-invasive samples of biological material, despite some limitations, were proved to be efficient method in tracking individuals in the field and estimate populations' parameters. We used this strategy to investigate isolated population of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in the Gorce Mountains. In two study periods (2012–2013 and 2017–2018) almost 400 faeces and feathers were collected. Microsatellite genotyping was performed to identify individuals and estimate genetic diversity. We found that population is stable in terms of size and genetic indices, although allelic richness has significantly increased between 2012–2013 and 2017–2018. In the overall study period (2012–2018) there were 52 individuals identified. However, only 10 birds were found in both study periods. This suggests low survival in the population. Moreover, genetic data indicated low effective population size of the capercaillie in the Gorce Mts. Thus, we suggest that monitoring, either genetic and based on field-surveys, should be implemented in the management and protection of this population.
Knowledge about population size is of high importance for conservationists. We used non-invasively collected samples and microsatellite genotyping to estimate the size of the Tatra National Park population of the endangered capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. This population is one of the most important strongholds of the species in Poland. In 2016 over 150 samples (faeces and feathers) of the capercaillie were collected throughout area of the Tatra National Park. Then, DNA was extracted and genetic profiles were evaluated, using nine microsatellite markers. We obtained 81 reliable genotypes. Among them, 34 unique genotypes were found, corresponding to Minimum Number of individuals Alive in the investigated population. Application of capture-recapture models in the R package Capwire indicated, that the area was inhabited by approx. 54 birds, whereas regression model suggested presence of 36–64 individuals. Previous field surveys suggested that the number of birds in the Tatra National Park is about 50. Hence, we assumed that genetic tagging of non-invasive samples performs well in estimating the abundance of the capercaillie in the investigated population.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.