Carnivore Populations Research Articles

The Assemblage of Carnivore Fish Composition (Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, Haemulidae and Serranidae) of a Thousand Islands, Jakarta, Indonesia

The pivotal contribution of the Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, and Serranidae families to coral reef ecosystems, coupled with their significance as targets for fishing activities, underscores the importance of understanding their presence and population dynamics in formulating effective coastal management policies. Employing the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method, we conducted a carnivorous fish study at 14 station locations in the Thousand Islands. This group exhibited a diverse array of 17 species distributed across four families (Haemulidae, Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae, and Serranidae). Notably, Cephalopolis micropion emerged as the predominant carnivorous species, constituting 48.35% of the relative frequency. Site location KSBC.14 (Pari Island) displayed the highest diversity and abundance of carnivorous fish species, with 11 species and 1457 individuals per hectare (Ind./ha). KSBC.12 (Pramuka Island) also have highest abundance and additionally recorded the highest carnivorous fish biomass at 188.43 kg/ha. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of carnivorous fish populations, informing conservation and management strategies in coral reef ecosystems.

Raccoon rabies control and elimination in the northeastern U.S. and southern Québec, Canada.

Abstract Rabies virus (RABV) is a deadly zoonosis that circulates in wild carnivore populations in North America. Intensive management within the USA and Canada has been conducted to control the spread of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) variant of RABV and work towards elimination. We examined RABV occurrence across the northeastern USA and southeastern Québec, Canada during 2008–2018 using a multi-method, dynamic occupancy model. Using a 10 km × 10 km grid overlaid on the landscape, we examined the probability that a grid cell was occupied with RABV and relationships with management activities (oral rabies vaccination (ORV) and trap-vaccinate-release efforts), habitat, neighbour effects and temporal trends. We compared raccoon RABV detection probabilities between different surveillance samples (e.g. animals that are strange acting, road-kill, public health samples). The management of RABV through ORV was found to be the greatest driver in reducing the occurrence of rabies on the landscape. Additionally, RABV occupancy declined further with increasing duration of ORV baiting programmes. Grid cells north of ORV management were at or near elimination ( $\hat{\psi }_{{\rm north}}$ = 0.00, s.e. = 0.15), managed areas had low RABV occupancy ( $\hat{\psi }_{{\rm managed}}$ = 0.20, s.e. = 0.29) and enzootic areas had the highest level of RABV occupancy ( $\hat{\psi }_{{\rm south}}$ = 0.83, s.e. = 0.06). These results provide evidence that past management actions have been being successful at the goals of reducing and controlling the raccoon variant of RABV. At a finer scale we also found that vaccine bait type and bait density impacted RABV occupancy. Detection probabilities varied; samples from strange acting animals and public health had the highest detection rates. Our results support the movement of the ORV zone south within the USA due to high elimination probabilities along the US border with Québec. Additional enhanced rabies surveillance is still needed to ensure elimination is maintained.

Endoparasites of Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora, Felidae) rescued in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Wild cats play an important role as top predators in the food chain and act as ecosystem regulators. However, in recent decades, many studies have demonstrated the potential effects of parasitic diseases on wild carnivore populations, including cats. This study reports on the endoparasites found in an injured and rescued specimen of Leopardus pardalis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples were collected and processed using five coproparasitological techniques: a simple flotation centrifugation, a zinc sulfate flotation centrifugation, a formalin-ether sedimentation centrifugation, a conical centrifuge tube technique, and a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for fecal smears. Helminth eggs belonging to the families Trichuridae and Diphyllobothriidae and the genus Toxocara were found in both sedimentation flotation techniques. Protozoan oocysts belonging to the genus Cryptosporidium were identified by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. These findings show that ocelots can harbor potentially zoonotic and pathogenic endoparasites. Further studies on the helminths and protofauna of these animals are necessary.

Drivers of large carnivore density in non‐hunted, multi‐use landscapes

AbstractProtected areas serve as population strongholds for many large carnivores, with multi‐use landscapes along their borders forming the front‐lines of wildlife conservation. Understanding large carnivore population dynamics within working landscapes is difficult where anthropogenic mortality is high and unregulated. This study focused on working ranches, where killing jaguars (Panthera onca) and their prey was prohibited, to gain insight into jaguar population potential across multi‐use landscapes. Faced with forest fragmentation, presence of domestic livestock, and dynamic land‐use practices, we expected jaguar populations in working landscapes to be predominantly male and transient, with low cub production, and inflated population densities in remnant forest patches, versus protected areas where we expected native forest habitat and stable jaguar territories. Using camera traps and spatial‐capture recapture analyses, we observed that male jaguars demonstrated larger‐scale movements and were more detectable than females (0.07 ± 0.01 SE vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 SE) in both working and protected landscapes. Female jaguars in ranches traveled farther than females in parks. Carnivore density increased with forest cover and wild prey activity, decreased with domestic prey activity, and was marginally higher in ranches (4.08 individuals/100 km2 ± 0.73 SE) than in parks (3.59 individuals/100 km2 ± 0.64 SE). Females outnumbered males in both landscapes (2.20–2.60 females/100 km2vs. ~1.60 males/100 km2), although local male density reached up to 11.00 males/100 km2in ranches (vs. 3.50 males/100 km2in parks). While overall jaguar density was patchier in protected areas ( = 0.69 parks, 0.54 ranches), inter‐annual patchiness was higher within ranches (Moran'sI = 0.49–0.60 ranches, 0.69–0.70 parks), reflecting changes in cattle management. Despite major habitat alterations, working landscapes can support carnivore densities equivalent to (or exceeding that of) unmodified forest habitat, provided that wildlife‐tolerant ranching practices are maintained.

What drives the abundance of marsupial carnivores in production forest landscapes?

Production forest landscapes provide important habitat for wildlife but expose them to disturbances from forestry practices. Understanding how threatened carnivores use production forests can inform management practices to improve their conservation. While there have been many studies of eutherian carnivores in production forests, the use of these landscapes by marsupial carnivores is poorly understood. Using a network of remote cameras, we investigated the use of forestry landscape features by two endangered marsupial carnivores, Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus). Devil and quoll abundance increased with the extent of timber plantations within production forest landscapes. Overall, devils were positively associated with higher tree density and eastern quolls with indicators of open habitat such as less understorey, fewer trees and more grassland. Within plantations, devil abundance increased with the volume of windrows (piles of woody debris from harvesting arranged in rows), as did eastern quoll abundance in pine plantations. Eastern quoll abundance was higher in pine plantations established on pasture than those established on cleared native forest land, and in eucalypt plantations, higher with windrows comprised of plantation debris. Neither species showed a strong response to logging-related features in native forest such as time since harvest, though eastern quolls were positively associated with log cover. Our results demonstrate that plantations provide valuable habitat for marsupial carnivores and that they can persist in harvested native forests. Windrows likely benefit devils and eastern quolls by providing denning, shelter and foraging opportunities, and should be managed as important habitat features for carnivores. These findings can be used by forest managers to guide decisions and help maintain threatened carnivore populations in human-modified landscapes.

Anthropogenic pressure on large carnivores and their prey in the highly threatened forests of Tanintharyi, southern Myanmar

AbstractThe Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar is rich in biodiversity yet is facing threats from varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure. In this research we examine how anthropogenic pressures are influencing large carnivores (tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus and dhole Cuon alpinus) and their major prey species (wild pig Sus scrofa, muntjac Muntiacus spp., sambar Rusa unicolor, gaur Bos gaurus and banteng Bos javanicus) in the Lenya Reserved Forest and adjacent areas of Sundaic forest. We used data from camera-trap surveys during May 2016–March 2018 and logistic regression to analyse the relationships between the presence of large carnivores and explanatory variables such as human disturbance, landscape variability and changes in prey distribution. Tiger presence was positively associated with the occurrence of gaur and distance to villages. The occurrence of prey did not explain the detection of leopards in the study area. We suspect this was because leopards have a broad diet, including arboreal primates, and their prey was not fully recorded in our camera-trap survey. Dholes were positively associated with wild pigs and the total number of prey but not associated with forest type and landscape variables. To restore the carnivore population and conserve the biodiversity of this area, effective protection of predators and habitat management for large ungulates are crucial.

Drivers of human–black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) conflict in Indigenous communities in the North Rupununi wetlands, southwestern Guyana

AbstractRecovering populations of large carnivores impact the people that live alongside them, sometimes leading to conflict and lethal retaliation. One such carnivore, the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) has been implicated in the destruction of fishing equipment, depredation of livestock and pets, and attacks on humans. In order to understand how various stakeholder groups are affected by the negative impacts of living alongside caiman, and their resulting attitudes and behaviors towards caiman, we conducted semistructured interviews in seven Indigenous communities in southwestern Guyana from November 2017 to October 2019. We used logistic and ordinal regression to identify demographic indicators of fishing behavior and factors that are associated with negative attitudes and antagonistic behavior. Loss of pets in addition to an effect of gender, rather than competition overfishing resources (as hypothesized) may drive conflict between Indigenous communities and black caiman. We propose site differences, such as ecotourism may affect attitudes about and behavior towards caiman. The presence of impacts on communities and retaliatory behavior indicates that human–wildlife and wildlife–human impacts involving black caiman may be a concern for the recovery of the species' populations, and the communities that coexist with them.

Index‐based large carnivore population density and abundance estimates for the Ruaha‐Rungwa conservation complex in Tanzania

Index‐based large carnivore population density and abundance estimates for the <scp>Ruaha‐Rungwa</scp> conservation complex in Tanzania

SARS-CoV-2 and West Nile Virus Prevalence Studies in Raccoons and Raccoon Dogs from Germany.

Unlike farm animals, wild animals are not subject to continuous health surveillance. Individual projects designed to screen wildlife populations for specific pathogens are, therefore, also of great importance for human health. In this context, the possible formation of a reservoir for highly pathogenic zoonotic pathogens is a focus of research. Two of these pathogens that have received particular attention during the last years are the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), due to its fast global spread and high impact to the human health, and, since its introduction into Germany, the flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV). Especially in combination with invasive vertebrate species (e.g., raccoons (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Germany), risk analysis must be done to enable health authorities to assess the potential for the establishment of new wild life reservoirs for pathogens. Therefore, samples were collected from raccoons and raccoon dogs and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and WNV infections in these populations. Molecular biological and serological data obtained imply that no SARS-CoV-2 nor WNV reservoir has been established in these two wild life species yet. Future investigations need to keep an eye on these invasive carnivore populations, especially since the close contact of these animals to humans, mainly in urban areas, would make animal-human transmission a challenge for human health.

Country-wide genetic monitoring over 21 years reveals lag in genetic recovery despite spatial connectivity in an expanding carnivore (Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra) population.

Numerous terrestrial mammal species have experienced extensive population declines during past centuries, due largely to anthropogenic pressures. For some species, including the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), environmental and legal protection has more recently led to population growth and recolonization of parts of their historic ranges. While heralded as conservation success, only few such recoveries have been examined from a genetic perspective, i.e. whether genetic variability and connectivity have been restored. We here use large-scale and long-term genetic monitoring data from UK otters, whose population underwent a well-documented population decline between the 1950s and 1970s, to explore the dynamics of a population re-expansion over a 21-year period. We genotyped otters from across Wales and England at five time points between 1994 and 2014 using 15 microsatellite loci. We used this combination of long-term temporal and large-scale spatial sampling to evaluate 3 hypotheses relating to genetic recovery that (i) gene flow between subpopulations would increase over time, (ii) genetic diversity of previously isolated populations would increase and that (iii) genetic structuring would weaken over time. Although we found an increase in inter-regional gene flow and admixture levels among subpopulations, there was no significant temporal change in either heterozygosity or allelic richness. Genetic structuring among the main subpopulations hence remained strong and showed a clear historical continuity. These findings highlight an underappreciated aspect of population recovery of endangered species: that genetic recovery may often lag behind the processes of spatial and demographic recovery. In other words, the restoration of the physical connectivity of populations does not necessarily lead to genetic connectivity. Our findings emphasize the need for genetic data as an integral part of conservation monitoring, to enable the potential vulnerability of populations to be evaluated.

Large carnivore range expansion in Iberia in relation to different scenarios of permeability of human‐dominated landscapes

AbstractAimLarge carnivores are currently recolonizing parts of their historical ranges in Europe after centuries of persecution and habitat loss. Understanding the mechanisms driving these recolonizations is important for proactive conservation planning. Using the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) as examples, we explore where and when large carnivores are likely to expand into human‐dominated landscapes and how varying levels of resistance due to human pressure might impact this recolonization process.LocationIberian Peninsula.MethodsWe used ensembles of species distribution models to relate species occurrence data to climate, topography and satellite‐based land‐cover predictors at a 10 km spatial resolution. Resulting predictions of suitable habitat areas were fed into a dispersal model to simulate range expansion over the 10 time‐steps for different human pressure scenarios. Finally, we overlaid predictions with protected areas to highlight areas that are likely key for future connectivity, but where human pressures might hamper dispersal.ResultsWe found widespread suitable habitat for both species (bear: 30,000 km2, lynx: 170,000 km2), yet human pressure limits potential range expansions. For brown bears, core habitats between the Cantabrian and Pyrenean populations remained unconnected despite suitable habitat in between. For lynx, we predicted higher range expansion potential, although high human pressures in southern coastal Spain negatively affected expansion potential.Main conclusionsOur results highlight that the recolonization potential of brown bears and lynx in the Iberian Peninsula is likely more constrained by lower permeability of landscapes due to human pressure than by habitat availability, a situation likely emblematic for large carnivores in many parts of the world. More generally, our approach provides a simple tool for conservation planners and managers to identify where range expansion is likely to occur and where proactively managing to allow large carnivores to safely disperse through human‐dominated landscapes can contribute to viable large carnivore populations.

Contextualizing negative attitudes to wildlife and wildlife governance in the moral economy of Swedish farmers

Conflicts over managing large carnivores have been prominent in Sweden in recent decades. The most significant controversies are related to wolves, but the bear, lynx, and wolverine are also included. While the state and environmental organizations make efforts to guarantee a viable population of the large protected carnivores, farmers generally have a negative attitude towards large carnivores and a low level of trust in wildlife governance. Based on 22 in-depth interviews, 37 telephone questionnaires with Swedish farmers, and an analysis of 111 applications for protective hunting, this paper aims to demonstrate how these farmers’ perspectives on large carnivores can be explained by moral (sense of right and wrong) and moral economy (a system of obligations related to values and relations intervening with political views and financial decisions). The paper argues that farming, in addition to being an economic activity, is integrated with values, heritage, and relations to other human beings and animals. Farmers understand these values to be threatened by large carnivores, especially by wolves. The paper contextualizes negative sentiments, conflicts, protests, and also illegal hunting of large carnivores in relation to a sense of morals, sense of fairness, meanings, traditions, and mechanisms of daily life. We argue that this perspective provides a lens through which to interpret the conflict between farmers on the one side and the state and animal rights activists on the other. Such interpretation has consequences for understanding the legitimacy of government, shifting the focus from the processes of political governance (predominant in liberal political philosophy) to legitimacy tied to collective notions of social goods.

The gut microbiome of wild American marten in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Carnivores are ecologically important and sensitive to habitat loss and anthropogenic disruption. Here we measured trophic level and gut bacterial composition as proxies of carnivore ecological status across the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, for wild American marten (Martes americana; hereafter marten). In contrast to studies that have focused on omnivorous and herbivorous species, we find that marten, like other carnivore species without a cecum, are dominated by Firmicutes (52.35%) and Proteobacteria (45.31%) but lack Bacteroidetes. Additionally, a majority of the 12 major bacterial genera (occurring at ≥1%) are known hydrogen producers, suggesting these taxa may contribute to host energy requirements through fermentative production of acetate. Our study suggests that live trapping and harvest methods yield similar marten gut microbiome data. In addition, preserving undisturbed forest likely impacts marten ecology by measurably increasing marten trophic level and altering the gut microbiome. Our study underscores the utility of the gut microbiome as a tool to monitor the ecological status of wild carnivore populations.

First genetic detection and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2 (Carnivore protoparvovirus 1) in southwestern Ethiopia

The species Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 includes viruses, e.g. canine parvovirus (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which are among the most relevant for pets, causing extremely severe clinical signs and high fatality rate in dogs and cats. Moreover, a broad range of wild hosts, including endangered ones, were proven to be susceptible. Currently, no data on CPV-2 molecular epidemiology and strain characterization are available in Ethiopia, also considering the frequent contacts between domestic and wild populations. In the present study, a molecular epidemiology survey was performed on 92 fecal samples collected from domestic (n = 84) and stray (n = 8) dogs in southwestern Ethiopia in 2021. Approximately, 10% of the samples tested positive and the complete VP2 sequences of 5 strains were obtained, classified within the CPV-2a (n = 1) and CPV-2c (n = 4) antigenic variants. In most instances, the closest genetic relatives were strains of Chinese origin, which is fully compatible with the intense relationships that have been developing between the two countries, involving human being travels and their pets as well. Considering the clinical relevance of this infection and the risk it poses to local domestic and wild carnivore populations, especially endangered ones, much stronger monitoring and surveillance activity on foreign incoming animals should be performed. More strict constraints on animal introduction, e.g. compulsory vaccination, should also be considered.

Spatial density estimate of the snow leopard, Panthera uncia, in the Central Tibetan Plateau, China.

Knowledge of large carnivore population abundance is essential for wildlife management and conservation, but these data are often difficult to obtain in inherently low-density species. In particular, the snow leopard, Panthera uncia, an enigmatic cat occupying remote mountains in Central Asia, has received insufficient assessments of its population abundance because of logistical and methodological challenges. Here, we aimed to develop a robust density estimation of snow leopards based on 81 days of camera trapping within a contiguous and previously unsurveyed 1950 km2 area of habitat on the Tibetan Plateau (Mayue Township, Shenzha County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China). By applying spatially explicit capture-recapture models, we produced an estimate of 1.40 (95%CI: 1.06-1.84) individuals per 100 km2 . Results also suggested sex-specific variation in the range of movement around activity centers, with male (N = 10, σ = 4.02) movement considerably greater than female (N = 8, σ = 1.84) movement. The findings can serve as a reliable baseline reference for assessing the population trends of this endangered felid species with future estimates. This study will provide context to contribute toward a better understanding of ecological factors shaping the distribution and abundance of snow leopards and the related conservation measures needed to sustain their long-term survival on the Tibetan Plateau.

The decline of large carnivores in Africa and opportunities for change

Large carnivore populations are in decline across the globe due to the destruction of their natural habitat and targeted persecution by the human species. Africa is home to one of the last remaining intact guilds of terrestrial mega-carnivore taxa and includes species that occupy a unique role in ecosystem function and in human evolutionary history. The rapid disappearance of large carnivores from the African landscape is therefore particularly alarming and several species are predicted to soon be extirpated outside of protected areas. Developing solutions addressing the drivers of decline are complex due to Africa's rapid human population growth and land use patterns, cultural and traditional values among rural communities, and regulations governing lethal control programs and the trophy hunting industry. There is also a critical need to consider the intrinsic value of the carnivore guild in the discourse as having a value beyond that which benefits humans. Lessons can be learned from a few programs that combine good governance and regulation, effective law enforcement, strong community participation and sustainable funding mechanisms to conserve carnivores at landscape scales. Integrating these criteria into a workable model and employing an evidence-based and adaptive approach is central to implementing long-term solutions for carnivore-human coexistence. Africa can become a global leader in the conservation of biodiversity by demonstrating resilience, collaboration and ingenuity to reverse the current trend, and restore and protect these charismatic carnivore species for the benefit of the planet as a whole.

Multidisciplinary engagement for fencing research informs efficacy and rancher-to-researcher knowledge exchange

Across much of the Western United States, recovery of large carnivore populations is creating new challenges for livestock producers. Reducing the risks of sharing the landscape with recovering wildlife populations is critical to private working lands, which play an vital role in securing future energy, water, food, and fiber for an ever-expanding human population. Fencing is an important mitigation practice that many ranchers, land managers, and conservationists implement to reduce carnivore-livestock conflict. While fencing strategies have been reviewed in the literature, research seldom incorporates knowledge from the people who utilize fencing the most (i.e., livestock producers). Incorporating producers and practitioners early in the process of producing scientific knowledge is proving to be a critical endeavor for enhancing knowledge exchange, better evaluation of the practice, and more realistic understanding of the costs and benefits. Here, we describe how our multidisciplinary effort of co-producing knowledge informs understanding of the effectiveness of various fencing designs and more importantly provides a better mechanism for transferring this knowledge between producers, researchers, and land managers. We explain the process underway and demonstrate that incorporating producers and practitioners from the onset allows research priorities and expected outcomes to be set collaboratively, gives transparency to the agricultural community of the research process, provides a critical lens to evaluate efficacy and functionality, and will inform the practicality of fencing as a conflict prevention tool. We discuss opportunities and challenges of this co-production process and how it can be applied to other realms of fencing and conflict prevention strategies.

Evidence for a critical leopard conservation stronghold from a large protected landscape on the island of Sri Lanka

The decline and extirpation of large carnivore populations can lead to cascading effects in natural ecosystems. An understanding of large carnivore population densities, distribution and dynamics is therefore critical for developing effective conservation strategies across landscapes. This is particularly important in island environments where species face increased extinction risk due to genetic isolation coupled with local losses of finite habitat. The Sri Lankan leopard Panthera pardus kotiya is one of two remaining island-living leopards on Earth and the only apex predator in Sri Lanka. Despite its iconic status in Sri Lanka, robust research on the species has been limited to only a handful of scientific studies, limiting meaningful scientific recommendations for the species’ conservation and management. In this study, we conducted a single season camera trap survey in Sri Lanka’s largest protected area, Wilpattu National Park (1317 km 2 ), located in the country’s northwest. Our objective was to estimate key ecological state variables of interest (density, abundance, sex-specific movement and spatial distribution) of this leopard subspecies. Our results indicate that Wilpattu National Park supports a density of 18 individuals/100 km 2 (posterior SD=1.5; 95% HPD interval=16–21) with a mean abundance of 144 (posterior SD=15) individual leopards and a healthy sex ratio (f:m=2.03:1). The estimated activity range for male leopards > 2 years old was 49.53 km 2 (Posterior SD=3.43; HPD interval=43.09–56.41) and for female leopards > 2 years old was 22.04 km 2 (Posterior SD=1.82; HPD interval=18.34–25.65). This density falls at the higher end of published estimates for the species anywhere in its global range, based on similar methods. Given Sri Lanka’s limited size, this national park system should be considered as a critical stronghold that maintains a source population of leopards, contributing to the long-term population viability of leopards in the larger landscape.

Retaliatory killing negatively affects African lion (Panthera leo) male coalitions in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania.

In landscapes where people and lions coexist, conflicts are common due to livestock predation and threats to human safety. Retaliatory lion killing by humans is often a consequence and is one of the leading causes of lion population declines across Africa. We assessed the effects of retaliatory lion killing on male lion coalitions in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem (TME) using a long-term dataset of lion monitoring for ten lion prides, spanning over a fourteen year-period from 2004-2018. We also interviewed 214 respondents about their attitudes and awareness of the effects of retaliatory killing on lions. We found that male lion coalitions were larger and lasted for a longer tenure period in locations with low risk of retaliatory killing, as well as far away from active hunting blocks. Further, young people (18-35 years old) had a more positive attitude towards lion existence and conservation compared to older age classes. Surprisingly, people with primary or secondary level of education were more likely to having lions killed if they attack livestock compared to people with no formal education, although the former supported lion presence for tourism in protected areas. We conclude that retaliatory killing has a large effect on long-term lion coalition dynamics and, thus, survival. Community awareness on retaliation effect varies widely, and we recommend implementing better education and policy strategies at TME to protect the declining carnivore populations.

Demographic assessment using physical and genetic sampling finds stable polar bear subpopulation in Gulf of Boothia, Canada

AbstractKnowledge of long‐term demographic trends is important for managing large carnivore populations under changing environmental conditions, management objectives, and human values. From 2015 to 2017, we biopsy‐sampled polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Gulf of Boothia (GB) subpopulation to genetically identify individuals. This less‐invasive sampling method was more compatible with stakeholder values than chemical immobilization. We analyzed the biopsy data together with live‐capture study data (1998–2000), opportunistically collected live‐capture data (1976–1997), and harvest recovery data (1976–2017). From 2015 to 2017, the mean model‐averaged abundance estimate was 1,525 bears (SE = 294), similar to both the 1998–2000 estimate from the current analysis (1,610 ± 266) and previously published estimate (1,592 ± 361). Total survival from 2015–2017 varied by sex and age class, with higher estimates for adult females (0.95, 95% CI [0.81, 0.99]) than adult males (0.85, 95% CI [0.74, 0.92]). Mean number of yearlings per adult female was 0.36, 95% CI [0.26, 0.47], suggesting healthy reproduction. Body condition improved between 1998–2000 and 2015–2017. Our findings suggest the GB subpopulation is currently productive and stable. Forecasts of continued sea‐ice loss and environmental change due to climate warming emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring of this subpopulation.