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Molecular methods for differentiating grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) scat
Article first published online: 30 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02741.x
© 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
MASLAND, E. D. P., SWEEZY, M. A. and ONO, K. A. (2010), Molecular methods for differentiating grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) scat. Molecular Ecology Resources, 10: 214–217. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02741.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 DEC 2009
- Article first published online: 30 JUN 2009
- Received 2 September 2008; revision accepted 6 May 2009
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- 16S mtDNA;
- faecal DNA;
- marine mammals;
- molecular scatology;
- PCR-RFLP;
- pinniped
Abstract
Pinniped dietary information is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems; however, in the North Atlantic, grey and harbour seals haulout concomitantly and their faeces are visually indistinguishable. Therefore, we developed molecular methods to differentiate the species’ scat. PCR primers were created that amplify a portion of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA in grey and harbour seals. The samples were amplified and the resulting products were digested using the restriction enzyme Tsp509I, producing diagnostic banding patterns. These tools provide a mechanism by which separate dietary analysis can be achieved for grey and harbour seals at mixed haulouts in New England.