A single-sampling hair trap for mesocarnivores

Jonathan N. Pauli; Matthew B. Hamilton; Edward B. Crain; Steven W. Buskirk

Treesearch

A single-sampling hair trap for mesocarnivores

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jonathan N. Pauli, Matthew B. Hamilton, Edward B. Crain, Steven W. Buskirk

Year:

2007

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

The Journal of Wildlife Management. 72(7): 1650-1652

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Abstract

Although techniques to analyze and quantifY DNA-based data have progressed, methods to noninvasively collect samples lag behind. Samples are generally collected from devices that permit coincident sampling of multiple individuals. Because of cross-contamination, substantive genotyping errors can arise. We developed a cost-effective (US$4.60/trap) single-capture hair trap for American martens (Martes americana). In the field, traps effectively targeted martens; >75 percent of all hair samples were identified as marten. Eighty percent of marten hair (n = 180) contained sufficient quality for DNA-based analyses. This effective and affordable trap can be used by managers to monitor mesocarnivore populations noninvasively.

Keywords

Alaska, genetics, mark-recapture, marten, stable isotope, Wyoming

Citation

Pauli, Jonathan N.; Hamilton, Matthew B.; Crain, Edward B.; Buskirk, Steven W. 2007. A single-sampling hair trap for mesocarnivores. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 72(7): 1650-1652