Tiger (Panthera tigris) scent DNA: a valuable conservation tool for individual identification and population monitoring

Anthony Caragiulo,Joseph Alexander Smith,Rob Stuart Alexander Pickles,George Amato,Olutolani Smith,John Goodrich

doi:10.1007/s12686-015-0476-9

Abstract

Genetic monitoring of tiger source populations is a conservation priority, yet due to low sample sizes and poor DNA quality, scat DNA has failed to produce the powerful studies needed to inform management decisions in humid, tropical landscapes. Here, we report the first successful extraction of DNA from tiger scent marks, a hitherto neglected genetic resource. We show that tiger scent DNA quality is equal or superior to scat DNA, and as scent marks are encountered 2–8 times more frequently in the wild than scats, they constitute an important genetic resource for monitoring populations and individuals.

Highlights

Genetic monitoring of tiger source populations is a conservation priority, yet due to low sample sizes and poor DNA quality, scat DNA has failed to produce the powerful studies needed to inform management decisions in humid, tropical landscapes
We show that tiger scent DNA quality is equal or superior to scat DNA, and as scent marks are encountered 2–8 times more frequently in the wild than scats, they constitute an important genetic resource for monitoring populations and individuals
DNA analysis from scats has traditionally been used for genetic monitoring of wild tigers, but scat detection rates are generally low, in humid, tropical environments, which limits their utility as a genetic resource

Summary

Introduction

Abstract Genetic monitoring of tiger source populations is a conservation priority, yet due to low sample sizes and poor DNA quality, scat DNA has failed to produce the powerful studies needed to inform management decisions in humid, tropical landscapes. We report the first successful extraction of DNA from tiger scent marks, a hitherto neglected genetic resource. We show that tiger scent DNA quality is equal or superior to scat DNA, and as scent marks are encountered 2–8 times more frequently in the wild than scats, they constitute an important genetic resource for monitoring populations and individuals.

Results

Conclusion