An experimental design for obtaining DNA of a focal species and its diet from a single non-invasive genetic protocol
We conducted an experiment to evaluate two protocols and select a single one that will generate both focal species (Asiatic wild ass, in Israel) and diet DNA, as an effective strategy to minimize time, efforts, and cost without hampering efficiency. In Protocol A, we swabbed the outer surface of faecal boluses and extracted DNA using a Stool Kit, while for Protocol B, we homogenised faecal matter from inside the bolus followed by extraction using a Powersoil Kit. We then compared different parameters for the two protocols and selected one for our purpose.