Multifaceted DNA metabarcoding: Validation of a noninvasive, next-generation approach to studying bat populations.

ABSTRACT: As multiple species of bats are currently experiencing dramatic declines in populations due to white-nose syndrome (WNS) and other factors, conservation managers have an urgent need for data on the ecology and overall status of populations of once-common bat species. Standard approaches to obtain data on bat populations often involve capture and handling, requiring extensive expertise and unavoidably resulting in stress to the bats. New methods to rapidly obtain critical data are needed that minimize both the stress on bats and the spread of WNS. Guano provides a noninvasive source of DNA that includes information from the bat, but also dietary items, parasites, and pathogens. DNA metabarcoding is a high-throughput, DNA-based identification technique to assess the biodiversity of environme

SUBMITTER: Swift JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6050187 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature