Declaration Dr. Thomas H. Pringle - Buffalo Field Campaign

within a possible third location (Mirror Plateau/Pelican Valley) during the summer rut
season (Fig. 1-1) (Meagher et al. 2002; Geremia et al. 2005; Jones et al. 2006). Genetic
variation and population substructure, for these breeding groups is unknown. This is, in
large part, due to the difficulty obtaining blood or tissue samples from wild, free ranging
bison during the summer. Also, the high risk of undue physiological stress from live
capture, and potential mortality associated with immobilizing agents further hinder
invasive approaches to sample collection. Sampling bison with traditional methods while
they are congregated in large groups during the breeding season can be complicated,
dangerous and stressful for the bison. Therefore, an alternative sampling approach was
considered for acquiring genetic data from bison within the parks. Non-invasive fecal
DNA sampling offers an efficient means of acquiring genetic data from GYA bison
populations across their geographic range, with minimum risk to wild bison, and
personnel collecting samples. This approach will also allow us to associate the genetic
data with specific locations of breeding groups.
Most importantly, the non-invasive sampling approach is highly compatible with
NPS wildlife management philosophy which mandates the following: “The Wildlife
Management Program will achieve the NPS’s primary mission by…minimizing human
impacts on native animals, populations, communities, and ecosystems, and the processes
that sustain them” (USDOI-NPS 2006). This study will also assist the NPS with meeting
the Genetic Resource Management Principles “to protect the full range of genetic types
(genotypes) of native plants and animal populations in the parks by perpetuating natural
evolutionary processes and minimizing human interference with evolving genetic
diversity…the Service will maintain the appropriate levels of natural genetic diversity”,
4