Comparison of techniques for sex determination of American martens |
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Authors: | Jerrold L Belant Dwayne R Etter Paul D Friedrich Melinda K Cosgrove Bronwyn W Williams Kim T Scribner |
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Institution: | 1. Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA;2. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, 8562 East Stoll Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823, USA;3. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, 4125 Beaumont Rd., Lansing, MI 48910, USA;4. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada;5. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA |
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Abstract: | Accurate determination of sex in harvested species is critical for understanding demography and developing population models for management. We used genetic-based sex identification to assess accuracy of external carcass and pelt examination at registration and maximum canine root area (MRA) to determine sex of American martens (Martes americana) trapped in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 2000–2004. Overall percent similarity between MRA and genetic-based sex determination was 98.4% (n = 188). In contrast, only 84.6% (n = 421) of martens were similarly classified using external examination. For external examination, percent similarity to genetic-based sex determination for juveniles (<1-yr old) and adults (≥1-yr old; Wald χ21 = 2.168, P = 0.141), as well as for males and females (Wald χ21 = 0.005, P = 0.946), was similar. We recommend MRA as a suitable technique for sex determination of martens; thus, marten sex and age (using cementum annuli counts) can be obtained from one lower canine tooth. We do not recommend use of external examination at registration to identify sex of martens without implementing additional quality assurance measures. © 2010 The Wildlife Society. |
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Keywords: | American marten harvest Martes americana maximum canine root area sex determination |
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