Population size estimation in Yellowstone wolves with error-prone noninvasive microsatellite genotypes.
Determining population sizes can be difficult, but is essential for conservation. By counting distinct microsatellite genotypes, DNA from noninvasive samples (hair, faeces) allows estimation of population size. Problems arise because genotypes from noninvasive samples are error-prone, but genotyping errors can be reduced by multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For faecal genotypes from wolves in Yellowstone National Park, error rates varied substantially among samples, often above the 'worst-case threshold' suggested by simulation. Consequently, a substantial proportion of multilocus genotypes held one or more errors, despite multiple PCR. These genotyping errors created several genotypes per individual and caused overestimation (up to 5.5-fold) of population size. We propose a 'matching approach' to eliminate this overestimation bias.
Creel
Scott
S
Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. screel@montana.edu
Spong
Goran
G
Sands
Jennifer L
JL
Rotella
Jay
J
Zeigle
Janet
J
Joe
Lawrence
L
Murphy
Kerry M
KM
Smith
Douglas
D
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011156:Population Density; D012107:Research Design; D019596:Wolves / Q000235:genetics*; D014959:Wyoming