Highly reliable genetic identification of individual northern hairy-nosed wombats from single remotely collected hairs: a feasible censusing method

The highly endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is extremely difficult to study in the wild, and its numbers correspondingly difficult to estimate. Disturbance to the animals caused by trapping and ra dio-tracking may not only constitute an excessive risk to the population's viability, but may also yield biased data. The results of a pilot study are presented, which clearly show noninvasive genotyping to be a highly feasib le and reliable alternative censusing method for L. krefftii. The protocol can identify individual wombats from single hairs collected remotely at bur row entrances, using: (i) a panel of microsatellite markers giving individu al-specific genotypes; and (ii) a Y-linked sexing marker in combination wit h a single-copy X-linked amplification control. Using just the eight most v ariable microsatellites (of 20 available), only one in 200 pairs of full-si bs are predicted to share the same genotype. From 12 wombat hair samples co llected on tape suspended over burrow entrances, three known female, two kn own male and an unknown wombat of each sex were identified. The approach wi ll allow censusing of individuals that evade capture, and will also reveal some otherwise problematic aspects of the behaviour of this elusive animal.