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Australian Mammalogy Australian Mammalogy Society
Journal of the Australian Mammal Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

A DNA toolbox for non-invasive genetic studies of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)

Chris Davies A , Wendy Wright A , Faye Wedrowicz A and Fiona E. Hogan A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Churchill, Vic. 3842, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: fiona.hogan@federation.edu.au

Australian Mammalogy 42(1) 58-66 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM18032
Submitted: 29 August 2018  Accepted: 24 April 2019   Published: 25 June 2019

Abstract

Invasive sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are having significant detrimental impacts on natural environments in south-eastern Australia. Little, however, is known about their ecology, limiting evidence-based management strategies directed at reducing deer impacts. Genetic data, generated from DNA isolated from deer scats, can be used to fill ecological knowledge gaps. This study outlines a non-invasive genetic sampling strategy by which good-quality DNA from a single deer scat can be used to determine (1) species of origin, (2) sex and (3) a unique DNA profile. DNA from deer tissue and sambar deer scat samples were used to develop and optimise molecular methods to collect reliable genetic information. A DNA toolbox is presented that describes how to find, collect and store scat samples, isolate DNA and use molecular markers to generate informative genetic data. Generating genetic data using this approach will support studies aimed at acquiring ecological knowledge about sambar deer. Such knowledge will be critical for developing evidence-based recommendations to improve on-ground management decisions for sambar deer.

Additional keywords: Cervidae, genetics, invasive species, wildlife management.


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