PROJECT:
Monitoring black bears
in northern Idaho using non-invasive DNA sampling
Objectives:
Bears are difficult to observe and enumerate due to dense
forest habitat, low densities, and their secretive behavior.
Determining population abundance is especially important
for long-lived and low reproductive rate species which
are most susceptible to over harvest. Traditional mark-recapture
methods of black bears are often too expensive and time
consuming. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) currently
manage black bears based on harvest information and bait
station indices. Harvest statistics and bait station surveys
are not thought to be reliable indexes of population trend.
IDFG needs an effective monitoring technique and sampling
design for black bear management. Non-invasive DNA sampling
and DNA genotyping has allowed population estimation of
rare or elusive species and offers a technique usable for
bears. However, a sampling design robust to capture probability
variation has not been determined for black bears.
IDFG currently has a four year (2003-2006) mark-recapture
data set collected non-invasively that I will analyze with
a sophisticated mark-recapture program (Program MARK). I
will determine the population trend, apparent survival, recruitment
rate, and recapture rates of black bears in the Purcell Mountains
of Idaho during 2003-2006. I will also develop a refined
non-invasive DNA sampling design more robust to closure violations
and heterogeneity of capture probabilities for black bears
in northern Idaho. Information gained will help IDFG monitor
black bear populations through non-invasive DNA sampling.
