Can we predict individual identity, age, and gender of Mexican gray wolves from their scent?

By Eric Burnham

Backed by Colleen Sorensen, Sara Cope, Denny Luan, Loretta Stadler, And1, Jeffery Trotta, Margaret Lees, Susan Fairweather, David Galvan, Swbfsdc@nmsu.edu, and 12 other backers

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New Mexico State University

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Open Access

Tax Deductible

DOI: 10.18258/4256

$1,510

Raised of $1,500 Goal

100%

Funded on 6/17/15

Successfully Funded

$1,510
pledged
100%
funded
Funded
on 6/17/15

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Jeffery TrottaBacker

The very best of luck with your project. Jeff Trotta

Jun 17, 20150

Holly GanzBacker

This is a really interesting study. I'm doing something similar with several wild cat species but comparing the results to bacterial characterization using 16S rRNA markers. I'm looking for a lab to analyze chemical compounds in scat. Maybe you know of one? Good luck with your funding and your project.

Jun 16, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Hi Holly! Thanks for your donation! I'm sorry, I don't know of any analytical chemistry labs that are doing this kind of work. However, you could approach my boss, Gary Eiceman, and see if he's interested. Thanks again!!

Jun 16, 20150

Margaret LeesBacker

Good luck!

Apr 27, 20150

Susan FairweatherBacker

Wolves are essential! Good luck with your project.

Apr 16, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Thanks again Susan! Your support is very encouraging!

Apr 17, 20150

Richard HonourBacker

OK, I'm in on this: Mountain biking, wolves, New Mexico deserts, Yellowstone! Where do I go? What else is there on this Earth? And, establishing ecosystem balance at the same time? That is worth uncountable $$ millions. I used to be owned by a serious Wolf that was alleged to be about 1/8th Siberian Husky, after breeding for sled racing in Alaska. He ruled our home until death by confrontation by VW Bug. Richard

Apr 08, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Thanks Richard for the donation!! I love dogs; I've been a rough collie owner most of my adult life! It's always great to connect with someone who appreciates the role of wolves in ecosystem health, too!

Apr 08, 20150

Cindy WuBacker

I think it's super cool that you used to be a guide at Wolf Haven. I'm really excited to follow your progress, Eric!

Apr 08, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Hi Cindy! Thank you for the donation; I very much appreciate it!! It was fun being a tour guide. It really caused me to think about all issues surrounding gray wolf recovery, behavior, and ecology.

Apr 08, 20150

Don GossettBacker

Any excellent idea that could have far reaching applications in wildlife research. Best of luck.

Mar 27, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Thanks Don!! Thanks for your donation too, it's very much appreciated!

Mar 27, 20150

And1Backer

Eric this is really interesting, I'm going to be curious to see -- after the experiment's done, what your count is relative to what the "official" numbers say!

Mar 10, 20150

Eric BurnhamResearcher

Thanks for your comment Andrew! I'm very interested in how it turns out too, of course. Right now, my concern is to get a sample size that is large enough to result in robust statistical conclusions.

Mar 12, 20150