Enabling pinniped conservation by means of non-invasive genetic population analysis

摘要: Conservation and management of protected species, particularly elusive species such as pinnipeds, is hampered by knowledge gaps. In the case studies using genetic data these are often attributed to a lack representative samples. Therefore, there pressing need for development minimally invasive sampling protocols suitable analyses pinnipeds. The present study evaluated applicability various collection processing samples from harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) grey (Halichoerus grypus), encompassing seven source sample types (blood, skin, hair (plucked/moulted), urine, buccal swabs, scat) three different extraction methods. Protocols were designed sampling, but also evaluate differences in their performance based on cost time execution comparison traditional approaches. each protocol was measured following successful DNA isolation, molecular sex determination sequencing mitochondrial fragment (control region). plucked hair, urine swab proved effective individuals captivity, whereas scat most applicable non-invasive wild. Furthermore, pilot samples, found be viable analysis after exposure ambient conditions up four weeks. This provides useful assessment suitability minimal non-invasively collected amplification sequencing, enabling design future strategies significant increase available