Genotyping faecal samples of Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris for population estimation: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris the National Animal of India, is an endangered species. Estimating populations for such species is the main objective for designing conservation measures and for evaluating those that are already in place. Due to the tiger's cryptic and secretive behaviour, it is not possible to enumerate and monitor its populations through direct observations; instead indirect methods have always been used for studying tigers in the wild. DNA methods based on non-invasive sampling have not been attempted so far for tiger population studies in India. We describe here a pilot study using DNA extracted from faecal samples of tigers for the purpose of population estimation.

Results

In this study, PCR primers were developed based on tiger-specific v

SUBMITTER: Bhagavatula J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1636336 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature