1755-0998/asset/olbannercenter.gif?v=1&s=461bba13dc862037c63fd362e625b54da4c20f13)
Identification of Neotropical felid faeces using RCP-PCR
Article first published online: 9 JUN 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02878.x
© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
ROQUES, S., ADRADOS, B., CHAVEZ, C., KELLER, C., MAGNUSSON, W. E., PALOMARES, F. and GODOY, J. A. (2011), Identification of Neotropical felid faeces using RCP-PCR. Molecular Ecology Resources, 11: 171–175. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02878.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 13 DEC 2010
- Article first published online: 9 JUN 2010
- Received 22 November 2009; revision received 22 April 2010; accepted 27 April 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Felidae;
- noninvasive;
- species identification;
- mitochondrial
Abstract
Faeces similarity among sympatric felid species has generally hampered their use in distributional, demographic and dietary studies. Here, we present a new and simple approach based on a set of species-specific primers, for the unambiguous identification of faeces from sympatric neotropical felids (i.e. puma, jaguar, jaguarundi and ocelot/ margay). This method, referred to as rapid classificatory protocol-PCR (RCP-PCR), consists of a single-tube multiplex PCR yielding species-specific banding patterns on agarose gel. The method was optimized with samples of known origin (14 blood and 15 fresh faeces) and validated in faecal samples of unknown origin (n = 138), for some of which (n = 40) we also obtained species identification based on mtDNA sequencing. This approach proved reliable and provides high identification success rates from faeces. Its simplicity and cost effectiveness should facilitate its application for routine surveys of presence and abundance of these species.