Noninvasive scat sampling methods can generate large samples sizes, collected over vast landscapes, ideal for addressing wildlife conservation and management questions. However, the cost of genotyping scat samples limits the accessibility of these techniques. We describe detection-dog methods for matching large numbers of scat samples to the individual, reducing or eliminating the need for sample genotyping. Three dogs correctly matched 25 out of 28 samples from 6 captive maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) of known identity. Sample scent-matching can increase overall accessibility and breadth of applications of noninvasive scat-collection methods to important landscape scale problems in wildlife sciences.
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1 September 2009
Scent-Matching Dogs Determine Number of Unique Individuals From Scat
Samuel K. Wasser,
Heath Smith,
Lindsay Madden,
Nathaniel Marks,
Carly Vynne
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Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 73 • No. 7
September 2009
Vol. 73 • No. 7
September 2009
Chrysocyon brachyurus
cost comparison
individual identification
maned wolf
scat
scent-matching dogs