Over the past decades, wolverines in Sweden have made a recovery from near extinction to recolonization large part of their historic range. Effective conservation of large carnivores, which inhabit extensive territories, necessitates adaptative management that considers the diverse ecological and societal factors spanning their entire range. This report contributes to our understanding of wolverines in the southern periphery of their recolonized area, focusing on their scavenging behaviour. I utilize data from 14 wolverines, tracked with GPS-collars in Värmland, Dalarna and Jämtland over five years (2018-2022). The monitoring covered 19 three-week periods, during spring, early summer, and autumn. My thesis focusses on the wolverine’s utilization of two type of scavenging sites: anthropogenic food resources and carcasses from wild ungulates. The results show that females exhibit higher visit frequencies to both types of scavenging sites during spring and summer, but this difference diminishes in autumn when males visit scavenging sites more frequently than in other seasons. Anthropogenic feeding sites had more visits during autumn, compared to wild carcasses, whereas wild carcasses are more commonly utilized in spring and summer. The presence of large predators influences wolverine scavenging behavior, as evidenced by shorter visits to feeding sites in Jämtland (with high bear density) compared to Värmland and Dalarna. Nevertheless, these low-conflict areas have all benefited wolverines by increasing their reproductive rate, offering hope for the ongoing recolonization. Moreover, my results show that human activities in this region can have a positive impact on wolverines, by acting as and apex predator providing a stable food source, which should further facilitate recolonization success.

<p>In this thesis, genetic methods for individual identification and sex determination of wolverines from non-invasive samples were developed and applied in genetic monitoring of Scandinavian wolverine populations. Paternity and mating system of wolverines were studied by combining genetic analysis with telemetry data. Moreover, the possibility to obtain DNA from claws left on tanned carnivore hides was investigated.</p><p>Non-invasive genetic sampling was effective in revealing important population parameters. For the subpopulation in southern Norway, a population size of approximately 90 individuals, an equal sex ratio and similar levels of genetic diversity as in the main Scandinavian population were revealed. Genetic erosion in this small population has likely been counteracted by immigration of individuals from the main population since its re-establishment around 1970.</p><p>During the 1990s, two areas in east-central Sweden were colonised by wolverines. In a survey comprising 400 non-invasive samples collected during five winters, a total of 22 wolverines were detected. Genetic data suggest that inbreeding has occurred in both areas and that the two populations were founded by as few as 2-4 individuals. These findings suggest that gene flow from the main population is crucial for their survival even in a short time perspective. The detection of occasional stray individuals from the main population shows that this is indeed feasible. </p><p>Paternity analysis of 145 wolverine offspring in northern Sweden and southern Norway confirmed a polygamous mating system in wolverines. Breeding pair formation was generally consistent with the territories held by males and females, i.e. breeding pairs had overlapping territories. In the majority of litters, siblings were assigned the same father, thus indicating that multiple paternity is rare. </p><p>Tanning is a common form of preservation of mammalian specimens that normally precludes genetic analysis. Nevertheless, I demonstrate the possibility to successfully extract and amplify DNA from claws left on tanned carnivore hides.</p>

In this thesis, genetic methods for individual identification and sex determination of wolverines from non-invasive samples were developed and applied in genetic monitoring of Scandinavian wolverine populations. Paternity and mating system of wolverines were studied by combining genetic analysis with telemetry data. Moreover, the possibility to obtain DNA from claws left on tanned carnivore hides was investigated. Non-invasive genetic sampling was effective in revealing important population parameters. For the subpopulation in southern Norway, a population size of approximately 90 individuals, an equal sex ratio and similar levels of genetic diversity as in the main Scandinavian population were revealed. Genetic erosion in this small population has likely been counteracted by immigration of individuals from the main population since its re-establishment around 1970. During the 1990s, two areas in east-central Sweden were colonised by wolverines. In a survey comprising 400 non-invasive samples collected during five winters, a total of 22 wolverines were detected. Genetic data suggest that inbreeding has occurred in both areas and that the two populations were founded by as few as 2-4 individuals. These findings suggest that gene flow from the main population is crucial for their survival even in a short time perspective. The detection of occasional stray individuals from the main population shows that this is indeed feasible. Paternity analysis of 145 wolverine offspring in northern Sweden and southern Norway confirmed a polygamous mating system in wolverines. Breeding pair formation was generally consistent with the territories held by males and females, i.e. breeding pairs had overlapping territories. In the majority of litters, siblings were assigned the same father, thus indicating that multiple paternity is rare. Tanning is a common form of preservation of mammalian specimens that normally precludes genetic analysis. Nevertheless, I demonstrate the possibility to successfully extract and amplify DNA from claws left on tanned carnivore hides.

Cette recherche propose comme objectif d’étudier les relations entre le carcajou et les populations locales et autochtones du Canada, dans différentes régions d’études et dans un site de conservation ex-situ. Ceci afin de mieux comprendre leurs rapports et interactions avec cet animal et de pouvoir adapter les modes de gestion de l’espèce aux besoins des sociétés mais aussi en fonction du contexte socio-culturel local. Plus particulièrement, cette étude explore d’une part les relations entre Premières Nations et le carcajou, ainsi que les perceptions et les représentations sociales que différents groupes de la société (Ainés, chasseur, trappeurs, enfants autochtones/non-autochtones) ont de cet animal, et d’autre part le rôle que joue cette espèce, en contexte de conservation ex-situ : à savoir dans un jardin zoologique, sur les connaissances et la motivation du public envers la protection du carcajou. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisées différentes méthodes (entrevues semi-dirigées, questionnaires, dessins, observation participante) sur trois sites d’études en fonction de l’absence/présence du carcajou. Ainsi, nous avons étudié les interactions humains-carcajous dans la région North Slave dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest auprès des populations non autochtones et autochtones (les Premières Nations Dénée et Métis), où le carcajou cohabite avec les sociétés. Nous nous sommes également intéressés à la représentation du carcajou par les membres de la Nation Naskapie au Nord du Québec et de la Nation Dénée dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, où le carcajou n’est plus présent depuis 40 ans. Enfin, un dernier terrain au Zoo de St Félicien au Québec nous a permis d’analyser la place de ce carnivore dans la conservation ex-situ pour le public québécois. Les résultats ont mis en évidence, que les Premières Nations Dénées et Métis possèdent des connaissances très approfondies sur cet animal, qu’elles admirent et respectent, et ont souligné l’importance de la participation des populations et des savoirs traditionnels dans les projets de protection et conservation de cette espèce. L’analyse des connaissances et perceptions des enfants a montré que même si le carcajou ne leur est pas inconnu, de nombreuses lacunes sur l’espèce sont présentes reflétant un manque de connaissance général sur cet animal. Cependant, le carcajou reste un animal relativement bien représenté en dessin par les enfants, même si peu d’enfants connaissent son rôle écologique. Il existe quelques différences dans la représentation de l’animal selon le territoire/province dans lequel les enfants habitent. Les données collectées au sein du zoo ont indiqué que le public, d’une région où le carcajou a disparu, ne connait pas bien le carcajou, bien qu’il évalue positivement l’intérêt de cette espèce au sein du zoo. De manière prometteuse, exposer le grand public à cette espèce dans les zoos ou dans des camps d’été pour enfants semble être un moyen efficace pour promouvoir des attitudes positives à l’égard de cette espèce et encourager le soutien des populations envers sa conservation. Ces résultats montrent qu'il est nécessaire de mener des programmes alternatifs de sensibilisation et d'information du public au vu de la conservation et de la gestion du carcajou, en particulier dans les zones où de nouveaux programmes de gestion peuvent être mis en œuvre, afin d'accroître l'acceptation de cette espèce par la société et de sensibiliser le public à ce carnivore incompris. Cette étude souligne aussi l’importance de la participation des populations locales, adultes et enfants dans les programmes de conservation et gestion des espèces afin de garantir leur succès. De plus, les savoirs traditionnels et leur intégration dans la recherche scientifique devraient bénéficier d'une plus grande valeur. Enfin, les programmes de conservation doivent prendre en compte les souhaits des populations locales et collaborer avec elles, afin d’obtenir un plus grand succès. / The objective of this research is to investigate the relationships between local or First Nation people in Canada and wolverines, in different study areas and an ex-situ conservation site. In doing so, we hope to improve our understanding of these relationships and interactions with this species in order to adapt management policies and improve their fit with society’s needs and the local socio-cultural context. On the one hand, this study explores relations between First Nation peoples and the wolverine as well as the perceptions and social representations of this species by different societal groups (Elders, hunters, trappers, Indigenous/non-Indigenous children). On the other hand, it tries to understand the role played by wolverines in the context of ex-situ conservation (i.e. in a zoo) and knowledge and motivation by the public towards the protection of this species. We addressed these goals through the use of multiple different methods: semi-directed interviews, questionnaires, drawings, and participant observation, and applied these techniques in three separate study sites, both with and without wolverines. For example, we studied human-wolverine interactions in the North Slave region of the Northwest Territories with Indigenous populations (Dene and Métis First Nations), where people share the land with wolverines, gathering information from both adults and children alike. We then contrasted the knowledge and perceptions of these children with those of a second group that no longer have regular contact with this species, the Naskapi Nation in northern Quebec. Finally, at the St Félicien Zoo in Quebec, we qualitatively assessed the willingness of the general public to support conservation measures for this carnivorous species. Results indicated that Dene and Métis First Nations have a very deep knowledge of this species, which they admire and respect, which emphasized the importance of participation by First Nation peoples in the implementation of conservation programs for this species. In analyzing children's knowledge and perceptions, we found that while many children possess a basic knowledge about wolverines, there are numerous gaps in that knowledge which, if filled, may benefit future conservation efforts. Despite these gaps, the wolverine was relatively well represented in drawings by children, though their ecological role may remain be cloudy to some, and differences in their portrayal were apparent among territories/provinces in which children live. Data collected in the zoo indicate that the general public, in a region where wolverines have become extirpated, lack some general knowledge about this species and that the level of knowledge is not equal across the greater public. Promisingly, exposure to wolverines at the zoo or through children's camps does seem to promote positive attitudes towards this species and foster support for their conservation. These results shows that there is a need for increased awareness and public information programs for wolverine conservation, particularly in areas where new management programs may be implemented, to increase social acceptance of this species and raise public knowledge about this misunderstood carnivore. An integration of local populations, both children and adults, is necessary for a better legibility of management of the animal; as well as the valorization of traditional knowledge and its integration in scientific research. For the success of a species management program, it is inevitable to ask the people what they want and support the project. This study emphasizes the importance of participation by local populations, both adults and children, in conservation management plans for their success. Additionally, greater value should be assigned to traditional knowledge and its integration into scientific research. Finally, conservation programs must acknowledge the desires of the local populations and work together with local stakeholders if they wish to succeed.