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A multiplex PCR assay for identification of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) using the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes

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Abstract

The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a highly adaptable predator indigenous to the northern hemisphere. However, in Australia the red fox is a widespread exotic predator that has contributed to the decline and extinction of several native species. Here we describe a multiplex PCR assay for the molecular identification of the red fox. The identification is achieved by the generation of a diagnostic profile combining the lengths of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene regions amplified using highly conserved PCR primers. The method was tested in DNA samples from 17 species, including in mixtures. Our results demonstrate that the red fox has a unique combination of fragment lengths determined by capillary electrophoresis that can be used for its unambiguous discrimination from common domestic and wild species.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Fundo Social Europeu and Programa Operacional Potencial Humano [Investigator FCT program to FP]. CIIMAR was partially supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the COMPETE and national funds through FCT, under the project PEst-C/MAR/LA0015/2013. We thank Colette Harmsen, James Harris, Jack West and Eddie Juras for their assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal

    Joana Gonçalves & António Amorim

  2. Nocturnal Wildlife Research Pty Ltd, PO Box 2126, Wattletree Rd RPO, East Malvern, Victoria, 3144, Australia

    Clive A. Marks

  3. 7 Bonnington Road, West Hobart, TAS, 7250, Australia

    David Obendorf

  4. Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal

    António Amorim

  5. Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal

    Filipe Pereira

Authors
  1. Joana Gonçalves
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  2. Clive A. Marks
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  3. David Obendorf
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  4. António Amorim
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  5. Filipe Pereira
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Filipe Pereira.

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Gonçalves, J., Marks, C.A., Obendorf, D. et al. A multiplex PCR assay for identification of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) using the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes. Conservation Genet Resour 7, 45–48 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-014-0343-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-014-0343-0

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