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Molecular demography of brown bear in the Western Carpathians
Tkáčová, Nikola ; Hulva, Pavel (advisor) ; Tkadlec, Emil (referee)
Reliable estimates of population size are an essential tool for effective species conservation and management. The aim of this master thesis was to estimate the census population size and describe genetic variability and structure of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) using non-invasive genetics in Slovakia, which includes the majority of the West Carpathian population. A total of 2,172 samples were obtained during 2019-2021. The majority of the samples were non-invasive, mainly stool samples, which were complemented with tissue samples from roadkills or legally culled animals. Subsequently, DNA was purified and 12 microsatellite loci and the SRY sex marker were amplified. 1036 genotypes were successfully determined, of which 632 were unique. The Slovak population of bears posses a relatively high genetic diversity and similar values of heterozygosity as populations in areas with good state of conservation and relatively intact landscape. Based on Bayesian clustering analysis, population was divided into four clusters, with a certain level of gene flow. Only one cluster was detected in the eastern part of Slovakia (Eastern Carpathians). In the central part of Slovakia (Western Carpathians) all clusters were represented. Observed male to female ratio was 1.006. In males, a higher recapture rate was...
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Modern technologies in population biology of a highly mobile mammal
Tkáčová, Nikola ; Hulva, Pavel (advisor) ; Apfelová, Mária (referee)
This bachelor thesis is dedicated to investigate the methods applicable to research of population biology of highly mobile mammals on the example of Eurasian lynx. Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the most widespread felid species. This species is considered to be a suitable model organism due to its large range which includes various ecologic, climatic and demographic conditions. Eurasian lynx fundamentally participates in shaping the entire ecosystem as an apex predator. Its return to the areas of the past occurrence has an effect on species composition there. For the effective protection of this species, it is crucial to use appropriate monitoring methods to obtain information on the distribution area, abundance and population trends. Monitoring of this animal is quite difficult due to its low population density, mainly dusk and night activity and large home-range size. On account of this knowledge hi-tech methods (e.g. GPS telemetry, camera-traps, genetic monitoring) are used. Various methods of monitoring are utilized for various study goals. Telemetry is one of the most commonly used and probably the most effective method for obtaining detailed information about biology and ecology of the species. On the other side this method is invasive and it is possible to track only limited count of...
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