Reliable genotyping of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) using DNA isolated from a single faecal pellet.

摘要: The koala, an Australian icon, has been added to the threatened species list. Rationale for listing includes proposed declines in population size, threats populations (e.g. disease) and loss fragmentation of habitat. There is now urgent need obtain accurate data assess status koala Australia, ensure long-term viability this species. Advances genetic techniques have enabled DNA analysis study inform management wild populations; however, sampling individual koalas difficult tall, often remote, eucalypt forest. collection faecal pellets (scats) from forest floor presents opportunistic strategy, where can be collected without capturing or even sighting individual. Obtaining via noninvasive used rapidly sample a large proportion population; noninvasively samples degraded. Factors influencing quality quantity include environmental exposure, diet methods collection, storage isolation. Reduced introduce genotyping errors provide inaccurate profiles, reducing confidence ability such management/conservation strategies. Here, we present protocol that produces reliable genotype single pellet highlight importance optimizing isolation interest. This method could readily adapted studies mammals other than koalas, particularly those whose contains high proportions volatile materials are likely induce damage.