Genetic Sequences for Iberian Rodent Species Identification

85% amplification success for a mitochondrial cyt-b gene fragment from faecal DNA extractions enables non-invasive species identification. This genetic tool, developed by Soraia Barbosa, sequences cyt-b and IRBP gene fragments to distinguish nearly all rodent species in Iberia from non-invasive samples like faeces and owl pellets. It supports studies on distribution, spatial ecology, and conservation of endangered and poorly studied species.

Use Cases

• Identify rodent species from faecal samples using the cyt-b gene fragment with 85% amplification success.
• Distinguish sibling species Microtus lusitanicus and M. duodecimcostatus by analyzing sequences from both cyt-b and IRBP gene fragments.
• Apply the IRBP gene fragment from owl-pellet DNA extractions, which has a 64% amplification success rate, for population dynamics studies.
• Analyze the phylogenetic resolution provided by the cyt-b gene, which reveals a clear barcoding gap for Iberian rodents.

Strengths

• High diagnostic success for non-invasive sampling, with an 85% amplification rate for the cyt-b fragment from faecal DNA.
• Covers genetic markers for all rodent species present in Iberia, including three endangered and several poorly studied species.
• Method validated on two sample types: faeces and bones from owl pellets, demonstrating practical application.

Limitations

• The nuclear IRBP gene fragment has lower amplification success (43% in faecal samples), limiting its utility for some non-invasive samples.
• Cannot genetically distinguish the sibling species Microtus lusitanicus and M. duodecimcostatus, a known taxonomic gap.
• Dataset scope is restricted to Iberian rodent species, limiting geographic generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Dryad digital repository.

Collection Method

Genetic sequencing of mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (IRBP) gene fragments from tissue samples, applied to non-invasive samples (faeces and owl pellets).

Freshness

Last updated in June 2020.

Geography

Iberian Peninsula.