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Microsatellites as a valuable tool for Dinaric lynx (Lynx lynx) population monitoring

Microsatellites are used as neutral genetic markers in numerous studies to infer the levels and patterns of genetic diversity. Also, microsatellite genotyping is used to differentiate individuals, for instance in forensics, population census studies and wildlife monitoring using capture re-capture method. Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is an elusive large carnivore, difficult to monitor and research using invasive techniques like direct observations or capturing of live animals. The goal of our research was to establish a monitoring method for Dinaric lynx population based on a panel of microsatellite loci that can be used to track individual animals. We have optimized a protocol for genotyping of totally 20 microsatellite loci, previously designed for domestic cat (Felis catus), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) and Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis). The probability of identity (PID) was calculated using program GIMLET v.1.3.1. PID-Sib was also calculated, as it is a conservative upper bound of the number of loci necessary to resolve all individuals in a population, including siblings. Both PID and PID-Sib values were calculated for each locus and multiplied across loci to obtain the overall probability. Set of six loci (Fca742, Fca201, Fca247, Fca123, HDZ700 and Lc106) has been identified for 100% certainty probability identity. A total of 204 invasive and non-invasive samples of the Dinaric lynx population from Slovenia (101), Croatia (100) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (3) were analyzed in this study. We have identified five re-captured individuals. Among them there was a male lynx Dinko, captured for radio-tracking studies in NP Risnjak, Croatia in 2008, while a samplse of his hair and his scat were collected on Snežnik, Slovenia in 2007. We confirm that genotyping is a valuable method for monitoring of endangered Dinaric lynx population.

Eurasian lynx; Lynx lynx; microsatellites; monitoring

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