Non-Invasive Genetic Analysis of the Distribution, Abundance and Sex Ratio of the Endangered Sonoran Pronghorn Across Different Watering Holes in the Sonoran Desert
Abstract
Non-invasive genetic sampling is a critical tool that can be used to minimize the need for capture, which is especially beneficial in monitoring endangered species who are vulnerable to the stress of invasive techniques. One common non-invasive sampling method includes the collection of fecal matter present in the environment. This study utilizes DNA found on fecal pellets to monitor the abundance and sex ratio of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) across different locations in the Sonoran Desert and to evaluate the factors that influence these key demographic parameters. We predict that sites with higher pronghorn usage will have higher individual ID success rates, sites with supplemental forage will have higher pronghorn abundance, and the percentage of male individuals will be higher at sites with lower pronghorn abundance than at sites with higher pronghorn abundance. Fecal pellets were collected in June 2022 during the peak summer pronghorn season at 4 different drinker locations for a total of 105 samples. The DNA was extracted, and PCR amplification was conducted for 10 pronghorn nDNA microsatellite loci and a sex marker. Three to eight PCR replicates of successful samples were conducted until a consensus genotype was obtained, and genotypes were matched using the software GenAlEx 6.5 to obtain a minimum count of individuals per location. Genetic analyses are ongoing. These results will provide critical information for the demographic monitoring of this endangered species.
Non-Invasive Genetic Analysis of the Distribution, Abundance and Sex Ratio of the Endangered Sonoran Pronghorn Across Different Watering Holes in the Sonoran Desert
Non-invasive genetic sampling is a critical tool that can be used to minimize the need for capture, which is especially beneficial in monitoring endangered species who are vulnerable to the stress of invasive techniques. One common non-invasive sampling method includes the collection of fecal matter present in the environment. This study utilizes DNA found on fecal pellets to monitor the abundance and sex ratio of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) across different locations in the Sonoran Desert and to evaluate the factors that influence these key demographic parameters. We predict that sites with higher pronghorn usage will have higher individual ID success rates, sites with supplemental forage will have higher pronghorn abundance, and the percentage of male individuals will be higher at sites with lower pronghorn abundance than at sites with higher pronghorn abundance. Fecal pellets were collected in June 2022 during the peak summer pronghorn season at 4 different drinker locations for a total of 105 samples. The DNA was extracted, and PCR amplification was conducted for 10 pronghorn nDNA microsatellite loci and a sex marker. Three to eight PCR replicates of successful samples were conducted until a consensus genotype was obtained, and genotypes were matched using the software GenAlEx 6.5 to obtain a minimum count of individuals per location. Genetic analyses are ongoing. These results will provide critical information for the demographic monitoring of this endangered species.