Non-invasive faecal sampling reveals spatial organization and improves measures of genetic diversity for the conservation assessment of territorial species: Caucasian lynx as a case species

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216549
• Publication Date: 2019-05-10T17:32:11Z
• Authors: Deniz Mengüllüoğlu; Jörns Fickel; Heribert Hofer; Daniel W. Förster
• Keywords: Subspecies; Philopatry; Isolation by distance

The Caucasian lynx, Lynx lynx dinniki, has one of the southernmost distributions in Eurasian range, covering Anatolian Turkey, Caucasus and Iran. Little is known about biology genetic status this subspecies. To collect baseline genetic, ecological behavioural data benefit future conservation L. l. we monitored 11 territories (396 km2) northwestern Anatolia. We assessed diversity population by non-invasively collecting 171 faecal samples trapped sampled 12 individuals using box traps. observed high allelic variation at nuclear microsatellite markers, found no signs inbreeding despite potential isolation population. obtained similar numbers distinct genotypes from two sampling sources. Our results indicated that first order female relatives occupy neighbouring (female philopatry) territorial male were highly unrelated to each other suggesting long distance dispersal. Particular resident their offspring (kittens subadults) more likely be than floaters or dispersing (unrelated) lynx. Conversely, for higher territorials non-invasive (faeces). When invasive analysed separately, spatial organisation (in terms philopatry females males occupying permanent ranges) affected measures such a way estimates reduced if only considered. It appears that, small scales, traps may underestimate carnivores with ranges as As can also provide additional on diet organisation, advocate use studies vulnerable, endangered deficient species.