Using Non-Invasive Sampling Techniques to Test Genetic Markers for the Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
Date
2019
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Department of Biology, College of Natural and Health Sciences, The University of Tampa
Abstract
As with most wading birds in North America, the true conservation
status of the Little Blue Heron, (Egretta caerulea) is unknown. Even
though wading bird census is still improving, it has been evident
that populations have been declining for decades. Environmental
stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, are the main contributing
factor to the decline observed in heron populations. Microsatellite
genetic markers can be used to evaluate the genetic diversity and
overall health of a population. Microsatellite markers were chosen
for this study to demonstrate that population genetic studies can be
conducted with non-invasive DNA sampling because microsatellites
are PCR based and only require a minimal amount of DNA. We
determined that the markers created for other herons from the
same genus (Egretta) along with other closely related herons had
a successful cross amplification in the Little Blue Heron. We found
that usable quantities of DNA can be extracted from salvaged heron
artifacts including carcasses, eggshells and molted feathers. This
study provides a resource for future conservation genetic studies and
population genetic studies on herons and other birds as well.
Description
Recommended Citation: Heller, Lynn. “Using Non-Invasive Sampling Techniques to Test Genetic Markers for the Little Blue Heron (Egretta Caerulea).” Acta Spartae, 2019. https://doi.org/10.48497/VZCV-V174.
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Keywords
Egretta caerulea, Little Blue Heron, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Organism biology::Microbiology, DNA, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Cell and molecular biology::Genetics
Citation
Heller, Lynn. “Using Non-Invasive Sampling Techniques to Test Genetic Markers for the Little Blue Heron (Egretta Caerulea).” Acta Spartae, 2019. https://doi.org/10.48497/VZCV-V174.