Abstract
A non-invasive genetic approach has been recently employed in the population genetics of wild species, using faeces that could be easily collected, particularly of elusive or endangered species. However, faeces of pine (Martes martes) and beech marten (M. foina) can be morphologically similar and could be confused with those of polecat (Mustela putorius) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). On this basis, a rapid, simple and inexpensive RFLP protocol using a cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene fragment of mtDNA, isolated from faecal samples, was performed to distinguish the above-mentioned species.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to A. Vignati for critically reading the English manuscript. This work was partly supported by grants of University of Perugia and Regione dell’Umbria.
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Livia, L., Francesca, V., Antonella, P. et al. A PCR-RFLP method on faecal samples to distinguish Martes martes, Martes foina, Mustela putorius and Vulpes vulpes . Conserv Genet 8, 757–759 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-006-9203-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-006-9203-0