A cost-effective PCR–RFLP method for monitoring invasive American mink: preliminary field test in control areas of Spain

摘要: American mink Neovison vison is a semi-aquatic mustelid that has been introduced throughout Europe. Several attempts to eradicate this invasive species have carried out since its spread. In the Iberian Peninsula, an eradication program started 2001, as part of national action plan for conservation European Mustela lutreola. Proper detection crucial management, both monitoring variation in abundance and prevent recolonization cleared areas. Mink scats can be confounded with those several same-sized mustelids, spraints Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, which also occur along watercourses. However, these difficulties overcome by non-invasive genetic methods. With aim providing cost-effective reliable technique differentiating from largest possible number morphologically similar scats, we tested effectiveness already available faecal mtDNA-based PCR–RFLP method distinguishing mink- faeces. We then applied analysing collected identified field trained surveyors success control operations. The clearly differentiated otters, restriction enzymes produced well-defined different patterns. Eighty-five percent 94 samples could assigned species. Only three seven putative were confirmed, suggesting accuracy visual identification questionable methods are needed assessment programs.