Does Storage Method Influence DNA Recovery from Anoa Fecal Samples?
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Mentor Information
Michelle Green
Description
The lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) are dwarf buffalo mainly found in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This charismatic fauna is named for their habitat in lower grounded areas. There are also mountain anoa who live in higher altitudinal areas. The lowland anoa’s habitat consists of moist forests and green lands. The anoa hold cultural significance to native Indonesians who honor them in rituals or come together and have the anoa as a familial meal. The anoa population used to be widespread within Sulawesi. Their population density has decreased significantly and there is no subpopulation greater than 250 individuals. Their population is primarily decreasing because of human involvement. This includes deforestation to their natural habitat for building farms, housing, and the urbanization of their domain. Only 11.9% of their island is protected and though there are some laws, they are not enforced. The lowland anoa are experiencing declines of more than 20% of their population each generation. Therefore, not only is conservation research needed to be done on the lowland anoa, but noninvasive molecular research. Genetic diversity is key to species recovery and noninvasive samples are a source of genetic material. In order to better inform conservationists in Indonesia, we will test two storage methods for fecal samples. We expect no difference in DNA recovery between the two storage methods. With noninvasive methods, we can study the lowland anoa without endangering them further or causing trauma to these already small subpopulations. This is necessary to the conservation and the preservation of lowland anoa.
Does Storage Method Influence DNA Recovery from Anoa Fecal Samples?
The lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) are dwarf buffalo mainly found in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This charismatic fauna is named for their habitat in lower grounded areas. There are also mountain anoa who live in higher altitudinal areas. The lowland anoa’s habitat consists of moist forests and green lands. The anoa hold cultural significance to native Indonesians who honor them in rituals or come together and have the anoa as a familial meal. The anoa population used to be widespread within Sulawesi. Their population density has decreased significantly and there is no subpopulation greater than 250 individuals. Their population is primarily decreasing because of human involvement. This includes deforestation to their natural habitat for building farms, housing, and the urbanization of their domain. Only 11.9% of their island is protected and though there are some laws, they are not enforced. The lowland anoa are experiencing declines of more than 20% of their population each generation. Therefore, not only is conservation research needed to be done on the lowland anoa, but noninvasive molecular research. Genetic diversity is key to species recovery and noninvasive samples are a source of genetic material. In order to better inform conservationists in Indonesia, we will test two storage methods for fecal samples. We expect no difference in DNA recovery between the two storage methods. With noninvasive methods, we can study the lowland anoa without endangering them further or causing trauma to these already small subpopulations. This is necessary to the conservation and the preservation of lowland anoa.
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Poster Presentation