Individual identification via remote video verified by DNA analysis: a case study of the American black bear
Alan B. Ramsey
A C , Michael A. Sawaya B , Lorinda S. Bullington A and Philip W. Ramsey A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A MPG Ranch, 1001 South Higgins Avenue Suite A3, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
B Sinopah Wildlife Research Associates, 127 North Higgins Avenue Suite 310, Missoula, MT 59802, USA.
C Corresponding author. Email: aramsey@mpgranch.com
Wildlife Research 46(4) 326-333 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18049
Submitted: 14 March 2018 Accepted: 8 March 2019 Published: 27 May 2019
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2019 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Context: Researchers and managers often use DNA analysis and remote photography to identify cryptic animals and estimate abundance. Remote video cameras are used less often but offer an increased ability to distinguish similar-looking individuals as well as to observe behavioural patterns that cannot be adequately captured with still photography. However, the use of this approach in species with minimally distinguishing marks has not been tested.
Aims: To determine the utility and accuracy of distinguishing characteristics of American black bears, Ursus americanus, observed on remote video for identifying individuals in an open population.
Methods: We compared individuals identified on video with individuals and their sex identified by DNA analysis of hairs collected from hair traps visited by the bears.
Key results: We found that remote video could be used to determine the number of male and female black bears sampled by the video cameras. Specifically, we matched 13 individual bear genotypes with 13 video identifications, one genotype for each individual. We correctly matched ~82% of video identifications with all 38 genotypes collected from hair traps.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that distinguishing characteristics of a cryptic animal in remote video can be used to accurately identify individuals. Remote video complements genetic analysis by providing information about habitat use and behaviour.
Implications: When remote video cameras can be used to identify individuals, a wealth of other information will subsequently be obtained. Multi-year video-based studies can show sex ratios, and relative physical condition; shed light on fine-scale habitat use, such as when and where animals feed and what they eat; and display social interactions and rare behaviours.
Additional keywords: behaviour, camera trap, cryptic animal, hair trap, human–bear conflict, individual identity, Montana, population demographics, rub object, Ursus americanus, wildlife management.
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