Celebration of Scholars
Vocal features used to determine individuality among wild gray wolves (Canis lupus)
Name:
Cara Hull
Major: Biology
Hometown: Colby
Faculty Sponsor: Angela Dassow
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE
Name:
Caitlin McCombe
Major: Biology
Hometown: Cedarburg
Faculty Sponsor: Angela Dassow
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE
Abstract
Conservation biologists currently depend on invasive trapping and radio-collaring techniques to study population dynamics of gray wolves (Canis lupus). Previous research has found wolf howls can be used to determine individual identity on high quality recordings from captive animals, offering an opportunity for non-invasive monitoring of packs. In this study, wild wolves were recorded in Central Wisconsin to determine the effectiveness of these features in determining individuality in low quality recordings. We analyzed wolf howls from two adult individuals from separate packs. Using a principle component analysis we determined that the maximum frequency, start frequency, dominant frequency, and end frequency of the calls were highly individualistic, but some overlap across individual identities remained. Through a discriminant function analysis using end frequency and maximum frequency, we were able to separate the individuals with 100% accuracy. During the 2018 field season, we aim to collect more calls from individuals to add into the analysis. These howls will allow us to determine the effectiveness of our method of individual identification by examining how accurately howls from new individuals are classified. Upon completion of future testing, a novel and non-invasive method for monitoring gray wolves will be available for use in wildlife management.Submit date: March 15, 2018, 4:30 p.m.