TECHNIQUES FOR APPLICATION OF FECAL DNA METHODS TO FIELD STUDIES OF URSIDS

We describe methods for the preservation, extraction and amplification of DNA from faeces that facilitate field applications of faecal DNA t echnology. Mitochondrial, protein encoding and microsatellite nuclear DNA extracted and amplified from faeces of Malayan sun bears and North American black bears is shown to be identical to that extracted and a mplified from the same individual's tissue or blood. A simple drying a gent, silica beads, is shown to be a particularly effective preservati ve, allowing easy and safe transport of samples from the field. Method s are also developed to eliminate the risk of faecal DNA contamination from hair present in faeces.