Genetic analysis is a powerful tool in wildlife conservation, allowing us to assess and monitor population structure, movement patterns, and genetic diversity of endangered and threatened species. Until relatively recently, obtaining genetic information has required capturing individuals to collect blood or tissue for DNA analysis. Noninvasive sampling using hair or feces allows us to collect many samples in a short amount of time and avoid the danger to the animal as well as the cost inherent in trapping and tissue collection. The extraction of nuclear DNA from feces is typically species or genus-specific.  We are developing fecal DNA extraction protocols for black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), an important species of North American grasslands that have declined throughout their range due to habitat loss, extermination, and diseases such as plague.

Results/Conclusions

We are comparing the cost-effectiveness and reliability of each of three methods (modified phenol-chloroform, guanidine thiocyanate/silica, commercially available kits).  Previous fecal extraction research with other mammal species indicates the guanidine thiocyanate/silica method is typically the most reliable.  Modified phenol-chloroform methods are the least expensive, but do not always perform well.  Commercial kits are typically reliable, but are often prohibitively expensive for large sample sizes.