Demographic assessment using physical and genetic sampling finds stable polar bear subpopulation in Gulf of Boothia, Canada

Knowledge of long‐term demographic trends is important for managing large carnivore populations under changing environmental conditions, management objectives, and human values. From 2015 to 2017, we biopsy‐sampled polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Gulf of Boothia (GB) subpopulation to geneticall...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine mammal science 2023-01, Vol.39 (1), p.151-174
Main Authors: Dyck, Markus, Regehr, Eric V., Ware, Jasmine V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ablation
Aquatic mammals
Biopsy
biopsy sampling
Body condition
Climate change
Data recovery
Demographics
Demography
Environmental changes
Environmental conditions
Environmental management
Females
Global warming
Immobilization
Juveniles
Marine mammals
mark‐recapture
polar bear
Polar bears
Sampling
Sampling methods
Survival
Ursus maritimus
Year class
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Summary:Knowledge of long‐term demographic trends is important for managing large carnivore populations under changing environmental conditions, management objectives, and human values. From 2015 to 2017, we biopsy‐sampled polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Gulf of Boothia (GB) subpopulation to genetically identify individuals. This less‐invasive sampling method was more compatible with stakeholder values than chemical immobilization. We analyzed the biopsy data together with live‐capture study data (1998–2000), opportunistically collected live‐capture data (1976–1997), and harvest recovery data (1976–2017). From 2015 to 2017, the mean model‐averaged abundance estimate was 1,525 bears (SE = 294), similar to both the 1998–2000 estimate from the current analysis (1,610 ± 266) and previously published estimate (1,592 ± 361). Total survival from 2015–2017 varied by sex and age class, with higher estimates for adult females (0.95, 95% CI [0.81, 0.99]) than adult males (0.85, 95% CI [0.74, 0.92]). Mean number of yearlings per adult female was 0.36, 95% CI [0.26, 0.47], suggesting healthy reproduction. Body condition improved between 1998–2000 and 2015–2017. Our findings suggest the GB subpopulation is currently productive and stable. Forecasts of continued sea‐ice loss and environmental change due to climate warming emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring of this subpopulation.
ISSN:0824-0469
1748-7692
DOI:10.1111/mms.12968