Noninvasive Genetics Knowledge from the Brown Bear Populations to Assist Biodiversity Conservation

Iulia Baciu,Georgeta Ionescu,Ancuta Fedorca

doi:10.3390/d14020121

Abstract

Genetic monitoring has proven helpful in estimating species presence and abundance, and detecting trends in genetic diversity, to be incorporated in providing data and recommendations to management authorities for action and policy development. We reviewed 148 genetics research papers conducted on the bear species worldwide retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. This review aims to reveal sampling methodology and data collection instructions, and to unveil innovative noninvasively genetic monitoring techniques that may be integrated into the genetic monitoring of a large bear population. In North American studies, hair samples were collected more often than faeces, whereas in Europe, both faeces and hair samples surveys are recommended, usually focusing on faeces. The use of the Isohelix sample collection method, previously tested locally and, if suitable, applied at the national level, could generate numerous advantages by reducing shortcomings. Additionally, dogs trained for faeces sampling could be used in parallel with hunting managers, foresters, and volunteers for sample collection organised during autumn and winter. It was stated that this is the best period in terms of cost-efficiency and high quality of the gathered samples. We conclude that large-scale noninvasive genetic monitoring of a large bear population represents a challenge; nevertheless, it provides valuable insights for biodiversity monitoring and actions to respond to climate change.

Highlights

Some anthropogenic activities harm the environment [1,2]; reducing these disturbances in human-dominated landscapes is a challenge for humanity [2]
The three databases (WoS, SCOPUS and Google Scholar) provided the needed literature; the 148 screened papers allowed the collation of important information related to noninvasive sampling schemes, faeces and hair sample collection, and recommendations from the worldwide studies on bear populations
Depending on the size of the bear population, the location of the study, and the available resources, various suggestions were extracted to enhance the knowledge about noninvasive genetic sampling of the bear population

Summary

Introduction

Some anthropogenic activities harm the environment [1,2]; reducing these disturbances in human-dominated landscapes is a challenge for humanity [2]. Species loss due to human impact is documented in various studies and books [3,4,5,6]. Biodiversity is correlated to climatic changes [7,8]. The challenge of predicting the complex action of climate evolution makes biodiversity conservation even more difficult [8]. Various models have been developed to predict changes in climate [8,9]; diminishing potential climate change impacts on species loss is possible [10,11,12]

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Conclusion