Identification of three Asian otter species (Aonyx cinereus, Lutra sumatrana, and Lutrogale perspicillata) using a novel noninvasive PCR-RFLP analysis.

ABSTRACT: Four species of otters occur in tropical Asia, and all face multiple threats to their survival. Studies of distribution and population trends of these otter species in Asia, where they occur sympatrically, are complicated by their elusive nature and difficulties with reliable identification of species in field surveys. In Malaysia, only three species, the smooth-coated otter, Asian small-clawed otter, and hairy-nosed otter have been reliably reported as residents. We designed a replicable and cost-efficient PCR-RFLP protocol to identify these three species. Using published reference sequences of mitochondrial regions, we designed and tested three PCR-RFLP protocols on DNA extracted from reference samples and 33 spraints of wild otters collected along the North Central Selangor Coast of Mal

SUBMITTER: Sharma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9743061 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature