We are researching the utility of track plate fingerprinting of the Fisher (Martes pennanti). Track plate fingerprinting
consists of matching metacarpal pad prints of the fisher by measuring the distance between wart-like dots on the metacarpal
pad. This method is a cost effective way to gain insight into actual population sizes by tallying individual animals,
without the bias of mark-recapture, cost of genetic methods, or inaccuracy of harvest counts.
Eric O'Neil M.S. Graduate
Currently employed by the U.S. Forest Service
Funding provided by:
Central Michigan University and
American Museum of Natural History - Teddy Roosevelt Grant
|
|
