| There are a number of wildlife species in the state of California that are difficult to
identify. Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) are a good example, especially at the
species and sub-species levels. Genetic analyses could provide an alternative way to
survey for, and monitor, species that are difficult to identify, or difficult to capture.
Yet, applying genetic analyses to listed taxa can be hindered by the invasive nature
of blood and tissue sampling or by the fact that they are rare and difficult to sample
directly. Therefore we developed a method of non-invasive indirect (scat and hair)
sampling for kangaroo rats that improves on existing DNA protocols. To generalize
this method, we developed a database of diagnostic mitochondrial DNA sequences
for each listed kangaroo rat taxon in California, and applied this method in a species-
level survey. We also used the method to assess survivorship and reproduction in a
translocated population of listed kangaroo rats. We show it is possible to use an
indirect, non-invasive, approach for the identify of individual kangaroo rats and for
species level assignments, and argue that this approach could be extended to other
listed taxa. |