|
Lachish, S and Passmore, A and Jones, M, A new PCR assay for reliable molecular sexing of endangered Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) from non-invasive genetic samples, Conservation Genetics Resources, 3, (2) pp. 279-281. ISSN 1877-7252 (2011) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
The final publication is available at http://www.springerlink.com
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12686-010-9341-z
DOI: doi:10.1007/s12686-010-9341-z
Abstract
Sex identification is a critical component of
threatened species monitoring programs. For cryptic, rare
and endangered species that have low detection probabilities, efficient monitoring can be achieved by analysing non-invasively collected DNA with molecular genetic techniques. In this study, we report a multiplex PCR-based
sexing assay for the endangered Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). The assay uses a new species-specific
primer set that amplifies a fragment of the SRY gene and
an autosomal microsatellite marker as an internal positive
control. We show that this assay provides highly accurate
and robust sex identification (99% accuracy [95%CI
96.5–0.99.8]) where sex could be assigned of devil DNA
from tissue, hair and faeces. This simple, yet reliable
sexing assay is an important step towards effective monitoring and management of Tasmanian devils.
Repository Staff Only: item control page |