Commercial Kit Comparison for DNA Recovery in Ethanol-Stored Fecal Sample
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Mentor Information
Michelle Green
Description
Anoa are a species of mammal under the Bovidae family endemic to Indonesia; specifically the Sulawesi region. The species is subdivided into the lowland anoa and the mountain anoa. Classified as endangered, there are a reported 2,500 Anoas total in existence. Observations of Anoas in the wild have been scarce because of their solitary nature; a majority of data has been collected on captive groups. The biggest threats Anoas face are hunting and habitat destruction. Unregulated hunting for collection of trophies or hunting for cultural rituals combined with gradual habitat destruction has contributed to dwindling numbers over the years. Conservation efforts have led to regulatory hunting legislation and environmental conservation as well as attempts to garner support for the Anoa by the surrounding and outside communities. Sanctuaries and zoo facilities have also been vital to learning more about the species and initiating breeding programs. Part of the conservation effort includes determining the genetic diversity of the remaining populations. Genetic sampling of the anoa is particularly challenging given their small population sizes, solitary lifestyle, and relatively small body size. Fecal samples provide a noninvasive alternative for genetic sampling. Ethanol is a common storage method for genetic samples. However, if ethanol is carried over into isolated DNA, it reduces the quality. There are many commercial DNA isolation kits to choose from, but it is unknown whether kit type will influence DNA recovered from ethanol-stored fecal samples. The results of this study will provide information to better inform conservation strategies in Indonesia.
Commercial Kit Comparison for DNA Recovery in Ethanol-Stored Fecal Sample
Anoa are a species of mammal under the Bovidae family endemic to Indonesia; specifically the Sulawesi region. The species is subdivided into the lowland anoa and the mountain anoa. Classified as endangered, there are a reported 2,500 Anoas total in existence. Observations of Anoas in the wild have been scarce because of their solitary nature; a majority of data has been collected on captive groups. The biggest threats Anoas face are hunting and habitat destruction. Unregulated hunting for collection of trophies or hunting for cultural rituals combined with gradual habitat destruction has contributed to dwindling numbers over the years. Conservation efforts have led to regulatory hunting legislation and environmental conservation as well as attempts to garner support for the Anoa by the surrounding and outside communities. Sanctuaries and zoo facilities have also been vital to learning more about the species and initiating breeding programs. Part of the conservation effort includes determining the genetic diversity of the remaining populations. Genetic sampling of the anoa is particularly challenging given their small population sizes, solitary lifestyle, and relatively small body size. Fecal samples provide a noninvasive alternative for genetic sampling. Ethanol is a common storage method for genetic samples. However, if ethanol is carried over into isolated DNA, it reduces the quality. There are many commercial DNA isolation kits to choose from, but it is unknown whether kit type will influence DNA recovered from ethanol-stored fecal samples. The results of this study will provide information to better inform conservation strategies in Indonesia.
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Poster Presentation