The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada

About this book

Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource – one that is often overlooked.

The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada provides a fully illustrated, up-to-date hair scale reference for all 25 of the terrestrial carnivorous mammals of Canada. From the tiny least weasel (Mustela nivalis) to the giant polar bear (Ursus maritimus), unique traits – as well as tricky similarities – can clearly be observed through hair scale patterns magnified at the medial portion of the hair impression. These scale patterns aid in species identification when hair is the only possible evidence available.

This guide also outlines hair impression techniques for samples found in the field, assisting ecologists and technicians with wildlife monitoring studies on predatory mammals where additional identification is required. Including range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented, as well as superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, this book is a comprehensive tool for animal hair ID.

Contents

Acknowledgements 
Introduction and Guide Interpretation
- Materials and Methods 
- Hair Scale Reference Key 
- Winter White Colour Phases 
- Undersides: Colour Differences in Guard Hairs 
- Colour Morphs and Regional Variations 

CANIDAE 
Swift Fox 
Arctic Fox 
Grey Fox 
Red Fox 
Coyote 
Grey Wolf 

FELIDAE 
Bobcat 
Canada Lynx 
Mountain Lion 

MEPHITIDAE 
Western Spotted Skunk 
Striped Skunk 

MUSTELIDAE 
Least Weasel 
Short-Tailed Weasel 
Long-Tailed Weasel 
American Mink 
Black-Footed Ferret 
American Marten 
Fisher 
American Badger 
Northern River Otter 
Wolverine 

PROCYONIDAE 
Raccoon 

URSIDAE 
Black Bear 
Grizzly Bear 
Polar Bear 

References 
Appendix 1: A Summary of Scale Types 
Appendix 2: Patterns and Comparisons 

Customer Reviews

Biography

Justin Kestler is a wildlife technician and outdoor educator. He graduated from Sault College’s School of Natural Environment and earned a communications degree from the University of Toronto. He’s been involved in various wildlife monitoring projects and worked as a field technician for Natural Resources Canada, McMaster University and the University of Alberta.