Molecular identification of mesocarnivores through feces in the Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Abstract

 Molecular identification of sympatric carnivore species through feces is not a simple task, especially for those of similar body size and similar droppings. This fact can be a disadvantage for several types of field research, including distribution, demography, and feeding habits. The objective of this study was to identify mesocarnivore species from feces collected in the Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve, San Luis Potosí, northeastern Mexico, using the PCR-RFLP technique. We collected 125 fecal samples from roads and latrines during February-May 2018, November 2018, and February 2019. DNA was extracted and a fragment of the cytochrome b gene was amplified with two pairs of primers: one specific for five Neotropical feline species and the other for the universal carnivore. To include control samples, DNA was extracted and amplified from hair follicles of the following species: captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), bobcat (Lynx rufus), jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), domestic species, dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus), and one sample from tissue of puma (Puma concolor). The PCR products from the control samples were sequenced to identify the restriction enzymes Hpa II, MluC I, Hae II, and Mbo I, which were used for the PCR-RFLP. Identification of restriction fragments was performed by banding patterns for each species on 2 % agarose gels. A total of 108 samples were identified (86.4 % of the total collected): 82 (75.3 %) L. pardalis, 11 (10 %) U. cinereoargenteus, 6 (5.5 %) Puma concolor, 6 (5.5 %) P. yagouaroundi, and 3 (2.7 %) L. wiedii.