Abstract
BackgroundThe ability to accurately identify bird species is crucial for wildlife law enforcement and bird-strike investigations. However, such identifications may be challenging when only partial or damaged feathers are available for analysis.ResultsBy applying vigorous contamination controls and sensitive PCR amplification protocols, we found that it was feasible to obtain accurate mitochondrial (mt)DNA-based species identification with as few as two feather barbs. This minimally destructive DNA approach was successfully used and tested on a variety of bird species, including North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), blue heron (Ardea herodias) and pygmy owl (Glaucidium californicum). The mtDNA was successfully obtained from 'fresh' feathers, historic museum specimens and archaeological samples, demonstrating the sensitivity and versatility of this technique.ConclusionsBy applying appropriate contamination controls, sufficient quantities of mtDNA can be reliably recovered and analyzed from feather barbs. This previously overlooked substrate provides new opportunities for accurate DNA species identification when minimal feather samples are available for forensic analysis.
Highlights
The ability to accurately identify bird species is crucial for wildlife law enforcement and bird-strike investigations
DNA sequencing and species identification In all cases in which clear sequences were recovered, DNA sequences were either identical to or very similar to the published GenBank reference sequences for all polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification PCR was performed for all feather samples, comprising two-barb and five-barb samples from the fresh, stored, museum and archaeological specimens (Figure 2; Table 2)
There was no difference in the success rates PCR amplification for the two DNA-extraction methods; both the modified silica-spin column (MSSC) protocol and the Qiagen DNA Investigator Kit (QDIK) protocol yielded successful amplifications for both the two-barb and five-barb wild turkey and Canada goose feather samples
Summary
The ability to accurately identify bird species is crucial for wildlife law enforcement and bird-strike investigations Such identifications may be challenging when only partial or damaged feathers are available for analysis. Many birds and bird products (such as feathers) are protected under the US Migratory Bird Treaty (MBTA), the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Identification of these protected species by law enforcement personnel may be challenging when only partial or damaged feathers are available for examination. Rawlence et al [11] recently investigated the potential for DNA extraction from the feather barbs and rachis, and reported that the distal portion of the feather (that is, the rachis and barbs) retained mitochondrial (mt)DNA Their DNA-extraction methods required the destruction of the entire feather
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