Non-invasive genetic tools to study wildlife populations

2016

International audience; The past three decades have witnessed the development of molecular tools, resulting in the successful integration of genetic methods into studies of wildlife populations. Genomic DNA can be obtained from a variety of sources including blood or tissues, but also sources which do not necessarily depend on handling or observing animals, like feces, urine, hair, or shed skin. These non-invasive samples can then be used to identify individuals, gender, and species. Genetic data can also be used to assess mating systems, hybridization, gene flow, and effective population size. Conservation biology can benefit of genetic data to define management units and to provide insigh…