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Applications and techniques for non-invasive faecal genetics research in felid conservation

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Abstract

Non-invasive genetic techniques utilising DNA extracted from faeces hold great promise for felid conservation research. These methods can be used to establish species distributions, model habitat requirements, analyse diet, estimate abundance and population density, and form the basis for population, landscape and conservation genetic analyses. Due to the elusive nature of most felid species, non-invasive genetic methods have the potential to provide valuable data that cannot be obtained with traditional observational or capture techniques. Thus, these methods are particularly valuable for research and conservation of endangered felid species. Here, we review recent studies that use non-invasive faecal genetic techniques to survey or study wild felids; provide an overview of field, laboratory and analysis techniques; and offer suggestions on how future non-invasive genetic studies can be expanded or improved to more effectively support conservation.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Edward J. Heske, Ken N. Paige and Karen M. Kapheim, as well as three anonymous reviewers for thoughtful comments on this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 515 Morrill Hall, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA

    Torrey W. Rodgers

  2. Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, VMA Building, Room 107, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA

    Jan E. Janečka

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Correspondence to Torrey W. Rodgers.

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Communicated by P. C. Alves

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Rodgers, T.W., Janečka, J.E. Applications and techniques for non-invasive faecal genetics research in felid conservation. Eur J Wildl Res 59, 1–16 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-012-0675-6

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