Carnivore diet analysis based on next-generation sequencing: application to the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Pakistan.

摘要: Diet analysis is a prerequisite to fully understand the biology of species and functioning ecosystems. For carnivores, traditional diet analyses mostly rely upon morphological identification undigested remains in faeces. Here, we developed methodology for carnivore based on next-generation sequencing. We applied this approach vertebrate component leopard cat two ecologically distinct regions northern Pakistan. Despite being relatively common with wide distribution Asia, little known about elusive predator. analysed total 38 After classical DNA extraction, extracts were amplified using primers vertebrates targeting 100 bp mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, without blocking oligonucleotide specific predator sequence. The amplification products then sequenced sequencer. identified 18 prey taxa, including eight mammals, birds, one amphibian fish. In general, our results confirmed that has very eclectic feeds mainly rodents particularly Muridae family. DNA-based propose here represents valuable complement current conventional methods. It can be other only slight adjustment relating design oligonucleotide. robust simple implement allows possibility large-scale analyses.