Idaho Fish and Game

EDUCATION:

B.S. Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, 2002

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.