Non-Invasive Genetic Identification of the Red FoxVulpes vulpesin the Shiretoko National Park, Eastern Hokkaido, Japan

A groundbreaking study in Shiretoko National Park, Japan, demonstrates that non-invasive genetic analysis of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) feces can effectively estimate population numbers with high accuracy. Using microsatellite analysis on 59 fecal samples, researchers identified a minimum of 22 individual foxes, with a cumulative probability of sibling misidentification (P(ID)sibs) below 0.01. The study highlights the potential of fecal genetic sampling for wildlife monitoring but also underscores challenges such as low genotyping success rates (23.3–69.8%) and reproducibility (53.5–88.4%). To improve efficiency, the research suggests selecting marker sets with smaller allele sizes, which significantly enhances both success rates and reproducibility. This approach offers a valuable tool for conservation efforts in remote or inaccessible areas like Shiretoko.

Oishi, T., Uraguchi, K., & Masuda, R. (2010). Non-Invasive Genetic Identification of the Red FoxVulpes vulpesin the Shiretoko National Park, Eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Mammal Study, 35(3), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.3106/041.035.0306