Does choice of DNA isolation protocol kit affect DNA recovery from Anoa Fecal samples?
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Mentor Information
Michelle Green
Description
The lowland dwarf buffalo (Bubalus depressicornis) is native to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia and is currently listed by the IUCN as an endangered species. The primary issue that is threatening anoa survival is habitat loss due to human footprint. Specifically, there is historic and ongoing hunting from the local villages, and habitat destruction from logging that have greatly decreased their numbers over the years. If this species became extinct, it could negatively affect the Indonesian lowland biodiversity. Tracking genetic health of the population is a necessary part of the conservation plan but it requires sampling from the animals. Given their low numbers and cryptic lifestyle, the animals are difficult to find. However, it is possible to locate fecal material for genetic collection. Using fecal material as a genetic source is beneficial because it eliminates the need to interact with the animals. However, it introduces challenges in the laboratory. Our objective is to contribute to conservation efforts of anoas by determining the best methods to isolate anoa DNA from their fecal samples. There are many DNA isolation protocols, including commercial kits. However, it is unknown whether protocol choice will significantly influence fecal DNA recovery. This study analyzed fecal samples from captive anoas held at ZooTampa to compare DNA recovery using commercially available kits. Through this pilot study, we hope to contribute new tools to conserve genetic diversity of the anoas and aid in species recovery.
Does choice of DNA isolation protocol kit affect DNA recovery from Anoa Fecal samples?
The lowland dwarf buffalo (Bubalus depressicornis) is native to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia and is currently listed by the IUCN as an endangered species. The primary issue that is threatening anoa survival is habitat loss due to human footprint. Specifically, there is historic and ongoing hunting from the local villages, and habitat destruction from logging that have greatly decreased their numbers over the years. If this species became extinct, it could negatively affect the Indonesian lowland biodiversity. Tracking genetic health of the population is a necessary part of the conservation plan but it requires sampling from the animals. Given their low numbers and cryptic lifestyle, the animals are difficult to find. However, it is possible to locate fecal material for genetic collection. Using fecal material as a genetic source is beneficial because it eliminates the need to interact with the animals. However, it introduces challenges in the laboratory. Our objective is to contribute to conservation efforts of anoas by determining the best methods to isolate anoa DNA from their fecal samples. There are many DNA isolation protocols, including commercial kits. However, it is unknown whether protocol choice will significantly influence fecal DNA recovery. This study analyzed fecal samples from captive anoas held at ZooTampa to compare DNA recovery using commercially available kits. Through this pilot study, we hope to contribute new tools to conserve genetic diversity of the anoas and aid in species recovery.
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