Microsatellite genotyping of DNA isolated from claws left on tanned carnivore hides.
Tanned hides, a common form of preservation of mammalian specimens, are usually resistant to DNA analysis. However, we show that DNA isolated from the pulp of claws of tanned hides amplifies well for microsatellite markers. For eight wolverine and eight lynx hides tanned 5-20 years ago, 93-98% of replicate amplifications gave distinct PCR products. Genotypes obtained in analysis of tissue samples of the same individuals were in all cases in agreement with those obtained by analysis of claws. We thus conclude that the use of claws from tanned hides offers new possibilities to genetic studies of preserved mammalian specimens, for instance, in the monitoring of illegal trade.
Hedmark
Eva
E
Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden. eva.hedmark@ebc.uu.se
Ellegren
Hans
H
D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003415:Crime; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D046008:Lynx / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D045969:Mustelidae / Q000235:genetics*; D013633:Tanning