Data from: Evaluating noninvasive genetic sampling techniques to estimate large carnivore abundance ...

• Main Authors: Mumma, Matthew A., Zieminski, Chris, Fuller, Todd, Mahoney, Shane P., Waits, Lisette P., Fuller, Todd K.
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Dryad 2015
• Subjects: Population ecology; CAPWIRE; Wildlife Management; Canada; Newfoundland; Lynx
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.n90hg; https://datadryad.org/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.n90hg

Monitoring large carnivores is difficult because of intrinsically low densities and can be dangerous if physical capture is required. Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) is a safe and cost-effective alternative to physical capture. We evaluated the utility of two NGS methods (scat detection dogs and hair sampling) to obtain genetic samples for abundance estimation of coyotes, black bears and Canada lynx in three areas of Newfoundland, Canada. We calculated abundance estimates using program capwire, compared sampling costs, and the cost/sample for each method relative to species and study site, and performed simulations to determine the sampling intensity necessary to achieve abundance estimates with coefficients of variation (CV) of <10%. Scat sampling was effective for both coyotes and bears and hair snags effectively sampled bears in two of three study sites. Rub pads were ineffective in sampling coyotes and lynx. The precision of abundance estimates was dependent upon the number of captures/individual. ... : Genotypes and Capture HistoriesThis file contains all genotypes of individuals captured using hair and scat sampling, along with the number of times each individual was captured and associated study site.CAPWIRE Simulation CodeThis file contains CAPWIRE code and the code required to perform simulations to evaluate the precision of abundance estimates at different sample sizes. ...