MtDNA Analyses on Hair Samples Confirm Cougar, Puma concolor, Presence in Southern New Brunswick, Eastern Canada

Authors

  • A.-S. Bertrand Reserva Brasil, Foz do Iguaçu 85851-970
  • S. Kenn Ontario Puma Foundation, Beeton, Ontario L0G 1A0
  • D. Gallant Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada, Kouchibouguac, New Brunswick E4X 2P1
  • E. Tremblay Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada, Kouchibouguac, New Brunswick E4X 2P1
  • L. Vasseur Associate Vice-President, Research, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6
  • R. Wissink Fundy National Park of Canada, Alma, New Brunswick E4H 1B4

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v120i4.352

Keywords:

Cougar, Puma concolor, hair-traps, camera-traps, physical evidence, mtDNA analyses, tracks, eastern Canada

Abstract

For the last 40 years, the presence of Cougars (Puma concolor) in eastern Canada has been highly controversial. The purpose of this study was to collect physical evidence of Cougars using a passive detection method. Baited hair-traps combined with camera-traps were installed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. DNA analyses on two hair samples confirmed that the species was present in southern New Brunswick in 2003. A footprint photographed after an observation of a Cougar by reliable observers was examined by experts and was consistent with a Cougar footprint. Additional data are required to determine the status of Cougars in the northeastern part of its historical range.

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Issue

Vol. 120 No. 4 (2006)

Section

Articles

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