Dr. Natalia BelfioreHeller, Lynn2020-04-082020-04-082019Heller, 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.http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11868/992Recommended 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.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.en-USEgretta caeruleaLittle Blue HeronResearch Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Organism biology::MicrobiologyDNAResearch Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Cell and molecular biology::GeneticsArticlehttps://doi.org/10.48497/vzcv-v174