Non-invasive genetic monitoring of capercaillie in the wild: individual tracking and breeding success
Auteurs : Foletti (Francesco), Hurstel (Arnaud) et Jacob (Gwenaël)
Année de publication : 2014
Publication : Grouse News - Newsletter of the Grouse Group of the IUCN-SSC Galliformes Specialist Group
Fascicule : 47
Pagination : 24-28
Résumé :
Reliable data on species dynamics are of major importance to design conservation areas and implement management measures, yet this data is difficult to obtain for elusive species like capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). In this master project we present preliminary results on the monitoring of the capercaillie population in the Vosges Mountains (France). From 2010 to 2012, a network of volunteers collected faecal samples in the field, mostly during early spring, when birds aggregate around displaying grounds (leks). Samples were genotyped at 21 microsatellite loci to allow for individual identification. A large majority of the individuals observed more than once during the three years of the study stayed within a restricted area. Most movements were detected between neighbouring sub-populations, with the exception of one female visiting three sub-populations within a month for a total distance of nearly 50 km. Parentage analyses conducted on a subset of sub-populations allowed us to identify parents–offspring trios with 80 % confidence. The amplification of additional markers will allow us to reliably assess (> 95 % confidence) individual breeding success in this population.