1. An overlooked DNA source for non-invasive genetic analysis in birds
- Author
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José A. Godoy, Begoña Martínez-Cruz, Lajos Kalmar, Juan J. Negro, and Márton Horváth
- Subjects
animal structures ,Ecology ,Non invasive ,Endangered species ,Zoology ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Genetic analysis ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Umbilicus (genus) ,chemistry ,Feather ,visual_art ,Feather shaft ,visual_art.visual_art_medium ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,DNA ,Genetic monitoring - Abstract
Non-invasive sampling is a useful tool for genetic analyses of endangered and1or elusive species, but it is often inapplicable due to the low quality and quantity of the DNA obtained. In this study we show that the blood clot located in the superior umbilicus of the feather shaft is a better source of DNA than the previously used tip samples from moulted feathers. We found that feather clots from museum specimens provided results nearly as good as footpad and better than those from the more commonly used museum skin snips. Feather clots proved to be a good source of DNA for genetic analysis that will significantly facilitate genetic monitoring of wild bird populations.
- Published
- 2005
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