Black Bear study uses microsatellite technique to track populations
Nova Scotia has a healthy Black Bear population, but alongside this, there appears to be an associated increase in human-bear conflicts. With very little Black Bear research conducted in the province, Dr. Soren Bondrup-Nielsen, Department of Biology, has received funding to estimate population size, structure and distribution of bears in NS.
These will be based on application of molecular genetic techniques using microsatellite technique for identifying individuals and genetic relationships. This study will use hair samples from as many as 500 bears harvested across NS.
Dr. Bondrup-Nielsen’s research project will contribute to the development of a Black Bear Management Strategy for Nova Scotia, and has been supported by Nova Scotia's hunters and trappers via the Province of Nova Scotia’s Habitat Conservation Fund.