Abstract
The Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) is a subspecies of pronghorn found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona (USA) and Mexico. Sonoran pronghorn persist at low densities and are geographically isolated from other pronghorn populations. Numbers have declined in recent decades, but the population has rebounded from a low of fewer than 50 animals in 2003 to an estimated 159 individuals in 2012; however, little is known about population demographics beyond abundance estimates. We developed a species identification test that uses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) species-specific primers to distinguish between sympatric Sonoran pronghorn and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) using DNA extracted from fecal pellets. We accurately identified each species in 100% of the blood and tissue reference samples. We also evaluate the rate of DNA degradation in pronghorn fecal samples ranging from 1 day to 124 days old and document that mtDNA species identification success rates were 100% through day 14. Success rates dropped to 95% by day 21, 50% on day 60, and 10% by day 124. This new test will be a valuable tool for documenting the presence of Sonoran pronghorn across their current range and can also be used for other pronghorn populations. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
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