Abstract
Non-invasive genetic sampling entails the extraction of genetic material from hair, scat and other sources of DNA and subsequent identification of species and/or individuals. Current developments in non-invasive genetic sampling are bound to change the future of wildlife monitoring. It is at this forefront of conservation research where the proposed project is to take place. Project goals include the implementation and improvement of advanced analytical and field methods, as well as basic research to develop new methods and fill ecological knowledge gaps in two regions, Scandinavia and the Himalayas. These geographically distinct components will complement each other in terms of methodological focus and ecological scope, and will be tied together through technical and analytical support from two research groups in France. The project's success is ensured through national and international collaboration with leading experts in wildlife monitoring, molecular analysis, and statistical modeling. Based on geographic and methodological distinctions, the project can be divided into 2 main parts, each consisting of 3 studies. In Part I, we will use substantial existing data sets on Scandinavian brown bears to explore, validate, and expand on the analysis of non-invasive genetic sampling data, with a focus on increasing the utility of capture-mark recapture models based on genetic captures. Part II of the project will take place in northern Pakistan, where we intend to field-test cutting-edge molecular methods associated with non-invasive genetic sampling, including sequence-based species and individual ID, and genetic sampling from highly diluted sources of DNA (e.g. DNA found in tracks). This part of the project will center around one 2-month long field season in each of the 3 years of the proposed project, and will also involve the use of camera traps to validate and complement non-invasive genetic monitoring.
Norway