Noninvasive sampling - Optimized protocols designed to reduce the costs and effort

Optimized methods for high-throughput analysis of hair samples for American black bears (Ursus americanus)

T. Kristensen, K. Faries, D. White, Jr and L. Eggert

Wildl. Biol. Pract., 2011 June 7(1): 123-128

 Traditional methods of studying wildlife are being increasingly replaced by noninvasive sampling particularly for the study of species that are difficult or dangerous to study. Genotyping large numbers of samples is prohibitively costly and labor intensive. Here is a paper that would be of great interest to you, if you are dealing with noninvasive sampling. The methodology holds great promise.

Here the researchers describe optimized protocols designed to reduce the costs and effort required for microsatellite genotyping and sex determination for American black bears (Ursus americanus). The methodology adopted by the researchers here might come in handy for other animals also.

The researchers redesigned primers for six microsatellite loci, designed novel primers for the amelogenin gene for genetic determination of sex, and optimized conditions for a nine-locus multiplex PCR.

The researchers sign off with following words “Our optimized methods will reduce the time and costs of analysis for the larger number of samples that will become commonplace in studies of wild populations of elusive species. For American black bears, they will provide important data that will assist population managers as they attempt to anticipate and reduce levels of human-wildlife conflict.”