Qiviut Trace and Macro Element Profile Reflects Muskox Population Trends

Area of Science:

• Wildlife Ecology
• Bio-monitoring
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Ungulate population dynamics are influenced by trace and macro elements essential for health.
• Hair analysis is an emerging bio-monitoring tool for wildlife, but its application to population dynamics needs further study.
• Understanding element imbalances in wildlife is key for effective conservation and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if hair element profiles reflect muskox (Ovibos moschatus) population trajectories.
• To establish element concentration benchmarks for assessing muskox population status.
• To explore the utility of hair analysis for proactive wildlife management.

Main Methods:

• Measured hair (qiviut) element concentrations in 11 muskox populations across North America and Greenland.
• Utilized linear discriminant analysis to associate element concentrations with population trajectories (increasing, declining, stable).
• Defined 'limit' and 'target' benchmarks for specific elements to assess population status.

Main Results:

• Seven trace and macro elements differentiated population trajectories.
• Increasing muskox populations generally showed higher copper, selenium, iron, manganese, and cobalt, and lower zinc and calcium concentrations.
• Established element benchmarks for copper, selenium, iron, zinc, and calcium to indicate population status.

Conclusions:

• Hair element profiles serve as a valuable indicator of wild ungulate population trends.
• Defined benchmarks can supplement traditional monitoring, offering insights into population drivers.
• Non-invasive hair sample collection facilitates proactive wildlife management and conservation strategies.