A non-invasive, DNA-based method for beaver species identification in Finland

For the ability to control an invasive species and protect ecologically similar native it is essential map exact distributions of both species. This difficult if are so morphologically that their identification in field almost impossible. In Finland, North American beaver Castor canadensis spreading towards range Eurasian fiber at present, these partly sympatric. Effective management requires efficient method for identification, ideally one non-invasive. Non-invasive genetic methods used a wide variety wildlife species, example research large carnivores. Feces good source DNA terrestrial animals, but semi-aquatic animals like beavers, feces not best option. However, environmental (eDNA) has been successfully detect non-invasively aquatic environments. We developed non-invasive, eDNA-based distribution Finland investigate within-species diversity. The eDNA was obtained from feed remains (wood chips) forage sites. With help Citizen science, wood chip samples were collected different parts Finland. our identify ranges Additionally, presence beavers south-east proven first time. Our non-invasive effective way accurately will allow conservation