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target species has visited the site, hair samples are removed from the gun brushes using latex gloves and are
immediately sent for lab analysis.
Installations targeting lynx on the Washington side of the border have transitioned Dr. Dan Thornton's large scale
detection protocol that was designed for lynx monitoring which took place over the summer of 2017 (Appendix
V). This has been a recent change from the national lynx detection protocol developed in 1999 by McKelvey still
being utilized in British Columbia (Appendix VI). In addition to having remote cameras, these installations are also
equipped with hair snares and scent stations designed to attract lynx for DNA analysis. A special mixture of glycol,
glycerin and beaver castoreum is used at scent stations set up as recommended by McKelvey et. al.
During the 2017 season, the majority of our remote cameras were Bushnell Trophy Cam XLT, with a few
installations employing Reconyx RC55 or RC60. Camera settings are standardized for comparability across the
study area as outlined in the protocols (Appendix II). Volunteers are trained in camera installation and
maintenance prior to each season at a training held by project staff.
SPECIES PRIORITIZATION
Though each survey area is established with a specific target species in mind, data on the presence of non-target
wildlife is also valuable. We use a species priority list that categorizes Washington species in order of significance
to our project as established by project staff in consultation with our Advisory Council. Using our category
structure, we are able to establish protocols for documenting certain species of interest and facilitating timely
communication with project partners during the season. All Level 1 species detected at a remote camera
installation during the season are immediately reported to project staff and the Advisory Council for confirmation
and further communication.
The priority listing for our 2017 season is as follows:
Level 1
Wolverine
Fisher
Lynx
Wolf
Grizzly bear
Mountain red fox/Cascade red fox
Level 2
Cougar
Marten
Mountain goat
Level 3
Beaver
Black bear
Bobcat
Coyote
Elk
Hoary marmot
Mule deer /White-tailed deer / Black-tailed deer
