COS 94-9
Non-invasive methods for genetic monitoring of endangered giant kangaroo rat and San Joaquin kit fox
Genetic analysis is a powerful tool for the investigation and conservation of wild populations. Nevertheless, genetic studies of listed species can be confounded by the difficulty of acquiring genetic samples from protected species. The giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) and San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) –federally and state-listed endangered species – are native to the Central Valley region of California, which is currently an area of interest for solar energy development. In collaboration with California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, we have developed novel methodologies to non-invasively sample giant kangaroo rat and San Joaquin kit fox genetic material (hair and scat) for analysis. We used these genetic methods to examine whether giant kangaroo rats translocated for solar energy development have persisted in a specific translocation area.
Results/Conclusions
We were able to successfully generate individual genetic identifications using hair samples from the eight giant kangaroo rats previously moved to a specific translocation area. We also gathered and genetically identified 16 additional giant kangaroo rats scat samples from the contemporary translocation area and nearby native giant kangaroo rat precincts. Our results indicate that giant kangaroo rats currently inhabiting this translocation area are a mix of individuals descended from the translocation cohort and individuals unrelated to the translocation cohort. The individuals unrelated to the translocation cohort are also unrelated to the nearest native giant kangaroo rat population. Our results illustrate the capability of non-invasive genetic sampling to monitor wild populations for management and conservation with minimal population disturbance.