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DNA samples from wild animal populations as a byproduct of PIT tagging

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Abstract

We describe a new method for obtaining DNA from needles following their use to insert PIT tags (Passive Integrated Transponders) into wild animals. This approach represents a currently unrealised opportunity, given that PIT tags are a widely-used tool for individual identification. Needles can be frozen and stored long-term and utilised when genetic samples of the study species are required. We demonstrate that DNA can be successfully extracted from PIT tagging needles for amplification of mitochondrial and microsatellite loci in little penguins (Eudyptula minor).

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Acknowledgments

Penguin Place private conservation reserve (Otago Peninsula) kindly allowed us to utilise PIT tagging needles for genetic analysis. Bruce Robertson provided advice on sampling procedures and Tania King provided laboratory support. We thank the anonymous reviewers for providing comments and improving the manuscript. This research was financially supported by the Allan Wilson Centre, Marsden Contract UoO1112, and by a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship.

Ethical standard

PIT tags were inserted with permission from the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC) ethics Approval No. AEC214 and DoC permit to place transponders into absolutely protected wildlife Authority No. OT-26993-FAU.

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Correspondence to Stefanie Grosser.

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Grosser, S., Ratz, H. & Waters, J.M. DNA samples from wild animal populations as a byproduct of PIT tagging. Conservation Genet Resour 7, 631–633 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-015-0463-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-015-0463-1

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