Studying seabird diet through genetic analysis of faeces: a case study on macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Determination of seabird diet usually relies on the analysis of stomach-content remains obtained through stomach flushing; this technique is both invasive and logistically difficult. We evaluate the usefulness of DNA-based faecal analysis in a dietary study on chick-rearing macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) at Heard Island. Conventional stomach-content data was also collected, allowing comparison of the approaches.

Methodology/principal findings

Prey-specific PCR tests were used to detect dietary DNA in faecal samples and amplified prey DNA was cloned and sequenced. Of the 88 faecal samples collected, 39 contained detectable DNA from one or more of the prey groups targeted with PCR tests. Euphausiid DNA was most commonly detected in the early (guard) stage

SUBMITTER: Deagle BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1959119 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature