DNA mini‐barcoding of leporids using noninvasive fecal DNA samples and its significance for monitoring an invasive species. Issue 12 (5th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodrigues, Nayra T.; Saranholi, Bruno H.; Angeloni, Thais A.; Pasqualotto, Nielson; Chiarello, Adriano G.; Galetti Jr, Pedro M.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 10:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: 5219
• Page End: 5225
• Publication Date: 2020-06-05
• Subjects: conservation -- European hare -- mitochondrial DNA -- molecular species identification; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5863
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Introduced in South America at the end of the 19th century, the European hare population has expanded dramatically and now represents a risk to native Brazilian forest rabbits. Monitoring the invasive Lepus europaeus and its coexistence with native Sylvilagus brasiliensis is a challenge that can be efficiently addressed by the use of molecular tools. This work describes a set of primers useful for amplifying three mini‐barcodes for the molecular identification of both invasive and native leporid species using degraded fecal DNA. In addition, tests in silico indicate that these mini‐barcodes can successfully amplify the DNA sequences of a number of leporids. These mini‐barcodes constitute a powerful tool for the monitoring and management of the invasive L. europaeus and the conservation of native rabbits. Abstract : In South America, the European hare is considered an invasive species, representing a risk to native Brazilian forest rabbits. Monitoring the invasive European hare and its coexistence with native forest rabbits is a challenge that can be efficiently addressed by the use of molecular tools. This work describes a set of primers useful for amplifying mini‐barcodes for the molecular identification of both invasive and native leporid species using degraded fecal DNA. These mini‐barcodes constitute a powerful tool for the monitoring and management of the invasive European hare and the conservation of native rabbits.