Species identification refined by molecular scatology in a community of sympatric carnivores in Xinjiang, China.

ABSTRACT: Many ecological studies and conservation management plans employ noninvasive scat sampling based on the assumption that species' scats can be correctly identified in the field. However, in habitats with sympatric similarly sized carnivores, misidentification of scats is frequent and can lead to bias in research results. To address the scat identification dilemma, molecular scatology techniques have been developed to extract DNA from the donor cells present on the outer lining of the scat samples. A total of 100 samples were collected in the winter of 2009 and 2011 in Taxkorgan region of Xinjiang, China. DNA was extracted successfully from 88% of samples and genetic species identification showed that more than half the scats identified in the field as snow leopard (Panthera uncia) actually

SUBMITTER: Laguardia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4790252 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature