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Identifying the presence of quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) and other macropods using cytochrome b analyses from faeces
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Identifying the presence of quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) and other macropods using cytochrome b analyses from faeces

E. Alacs, D. Alpers, P.J. de Tores, M. Dillon and P.B.S. Spencer
Wildlife Research, Vol.30(1), pp.41-47
2003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/WR01109
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Abstract

Non-invasive methods have the potential to circumvent problems associated with using more traditional techniques when surveying for rare and elusive species. In this study, non-invasive molecular-based methods have been used to analyse the scats of several species of marsupials. DNA was successfully extracted from scats of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus, and three other macropods (Macropus fuliginosus, M. irma and M. eugenii) sympatric with the quokka and with similar-appearing scats. Partial sequence from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from these four species and seven other macropods was used to measure genetic differentiation among them to determine whether the quokka could be unambiguously identified from the scats alone. The results confirm that molecular approaches can be used for macropod species identification using scats as the source material. The approach will have potential survey and management applications, and, more specifically, may lead to more accurate assessment of the quokka's geographic range, leading to implementation of more appropriate management strategies for its conservation.

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Citation topics
3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
3.64 Phylogenetics & Genomics
3.64.71 Genetic Diversity
Web Of Science research areas
Ecology
Zoology
ESI research areas
Plant & Animal Science
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