Abstract
Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) is commonly used to study elusive or rare species where direct observation or capture is difficult. Little attention has been paid to the potential effects of observer bias while collecting noninvasive genetic samples in the field, however. Over a period of 7 years, we examined whether different observers (n = 58) and observer experience influenced detection, amplification rates, and correct species identification of 4,836 gray wolf (Canis lupus) fecal samples collected in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park, USA and southwestern Alberta, Canada (2008–2014). We compared new observers (n = 33) to experienced observers (n = 25) and hypothesized experience level would increase the overall success of using NGS techniques in the wild. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found that new individuals were better than experienced observers at detecting and collecting wolf scats and correctly identifying wolf scats from other sympatric carnivores present in the study areas. While adequate training of new observers is crucial for the successful use of NGS techniques, attention should also be directed to experienced observers. Observer experience could be a curse because of their potential effects on NGS data quality arising from fatigue, boredom or other factors. The ultimate benefit of an observer to a project is a combination of factors (i.e., field savvy, local knowledge), but project investigators should be aware of the potential negative effects of experience on NGS sampling.
Highlights
Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) has been implemented with increased frequency in population ecology and conservation biology studies in recent years
Sixteen individuals participated in multiple years, beginning as a “new” observer and becoming “experienced” observers in subsequent years; resulting in 58 observer/years (33 new and 25 experienced; 1 observer was the author and was defined as “experienced”)
Contrary to what we hypothesized, we found that previous experience did not yield better overall results during noninvasive genetic scat sampling
Summary
Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) has been implemented with increased frequency in population ecology and conservation biology studies in recent years. NGS allows for the study of a wide range of taxa [1,2,3] without disturbing or influencing the behavior of the study species [3,4,5,6]. Without the use of NGS, invasive or lethal means are relied upon for the collection of genetic samples [7]. Biologists have demonstrated a desire to move away from these invasive methods and are instead choosing to use non-invasive techniques when possible. NGS has been used to study many species successfully, including the elusive gray wolf (Canis lupus). Collecting genetic information non-invasively using scat and hair has been
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