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Multiple mating between black bears revealed by DNA fingerprinting

1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 50; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0003-3472(95)80005-0

1095-8282

Anita Schenk, Kit M. Kovacs,

Genetic diversity and population structure

The reproductive strategies of large, solitary carnivores have seldom been studied because of the difficulties in obtaining detailed mating observations and reliable parentage determinations. Using DNA fingerprinting, the mating system of a natural black bear, Ursus americanus, population, occupying the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, Ontario, Canada, was investigated. DNA fingerprints for paternity analysis were obtained using alkaline phosphatase-labelled multilocus probes and chemiluminescent detection. DNA samples were collected from four complete mother-offspring groups, and 45 males were tested as possible fathers. Fingerprinting demonstrated both single and multiple paternity within litters, and one male was identified as the father for cubs from two litters during 1 year. This evidence, coupled with field observations of pairs of adults, indicates that multiple mating is practised by both sexes.