A portable structure for identifying wolverines and Canada lynx using integrated cameras and hair snags

Abstract

Wolverine (Gulo gulo) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), listed as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act, inhabit remote mountainous terrain across multiple western states. To address challenges associated with collecting long-term occupancy and demographic data for both species, we developed and tested a modified non-invasive camera and hair snag (C&H) monitoring system for simultaneous long-term monitoring of wolverine and Canada lynx (lynx hereafter). We aimed to adapt wolverine monitoring for concurrent use with lynx; redesign the data collection framework and station configuration for portability, affordability, and enhanced data capture; and establish the presence of individual wolverine and lynx through integrated photographic identification and genetic sampling. We validated the system over 5 field seasons by linking photographs to genotypes of individuals and identified reproductive status and sex of individuals across 23 stations spread over a non-contiguous grid covering 1,425 km² in western Montana, USA. We obtained individual genotypes for 13 (9 male, 4 female) of 19 wolverines (12 male, 7 female) and 6 (4 male, 2 female) of 12 lynxes (6 male, 4 female, 2 unknown) identified from unique markings in photographs. We also obtained photographic detections of bobcats (Lynx rufus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and martens (American [Martes americana], Pacific [M. caurina]). The C&H stations offer an efficient, cost-effective, and non-invasive approach for mesocarnivore monitoring in remote mountainous regions.