DNA Analysis of Hair and Scat Collected Along Snow Tracks to Document the Presence of Canada Lynx

Abstract

Snow tracking is often used to inventory carnivore communities, but species identification using this method can produce ambiguous and misleading results. DNA can be extracted from hair and scat samples collected from tracks made in snow. Using DNA analysis could allow positive track identification across a broad range of snow conditions, thus increasing survey accuracy and efficiency. We investigated the efficacy of DNA identification using hairs and scats collected during the winter along putative Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) snow tracks and compared our findings to those obtained using hair‐snaring techniques during the summer. We were able to positively identify 81% and 98% of the hair and scat samples, respectively, that were collected in or near snow tracks. Samples containing amplifiable lynx DNA were collected at rates of 1.2–1.3 per km of lynx tracks followed. These amplification rates and encounter frequencies validate the collection and use of DNA samples from snow tracks as a feasible technique for identifying Canada lynx and possibly other rare carnivores. We recommend that biologists include the collection of hairs and scats for DNA analysis as part of snow‐tracking surveys whenever species identification is a high priority.

The accuracy of scat identification in distribution surveys: American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland

“…Reed et al 2004; see also Long et al 2007) and macropod scats (Bukinski and McArthur 2000) on the basis of size and morphological characteristics. Observer bias and inaccurate identification of field signs are also problematic for snow-tracking surveys, and McKelvey et al (2006) recommend that DNA analysis of scats and hairs found alongside snow tracks are used to verify identification. Prugh and Ritland (2005), in contrast, found surveyors to be highly accurate in identifying coyote scats in winter when identification could be further substantiated by the presence of tracks in the snow.…”

Genetic monitoring as a promising tool for conservation and management

“…Because species identification through DNA is reliable and assays are inexpensive, we expect that the use of non-invasive collection devices will soon form the basis of many large-scale surveys monitoring changes in occupancy and geographical range. Several large-scale, DNA-based surveys have already been established to monitor the distribution of species over time [21,22]. For example, the presence of Canada lynx Lynx canadensis has traditionally been monitored using unreliable metrics, such as pelt returns, snowtracks (which have high false positive rate) and incidental sightings.…”

“…For example, the presence of Canada lynx Lynx canadensis has traditionally been monitored using unreliable metrics, such as pelt returns, snowtracks (which have high false positive rate) and incidental sightings. In 1998, a five-year monitoring effort was initiated using non-invasive genetic sampling for lynx presence on 44 million ha of US national forest land [21,23]. Sampling was conducted using bait stations that attracted lynx to the site and elicited a rubbing response on a hair collection device.…”

“…Lynx were detected in multiple locations from the hair samples using mtDNA. The success of this work provides a baseline to monitor long-term changes in the geographical range of the lynx and can already be compared with historical records [21].…”

REGIONAL VARIATION IN HOME‐RANGE‐SCALE HABITAT MODELS FOR FISHER (MARTES PENNANTI) IN CALIFORNIA

“…Future modeling efforts, however, are likely to be built using detection data that come with more information than simple occurrence. Identification of sex and individuals is possible using genetic samples derived from scat and hair (Eggert et al 2003, Riddle et al 2003, McKelvey et al 2006, and methods have been developed to collect hair when fishers visit enclosed track plate stations (Zielinski et al 2006a). Future models will be able to link habitat value to demographic information, which will add considerably to the utility of empirical habitat models for conservation planning.…”