Multiple species‐specific molecular markers using nanofluidic array as a tool to detect prey DNA from carnivore scats

Large carnivore feeding ecology plays a crucial role for management and conservation predators their prey. One of the keys to this kind research is identify species composition in predator diet, example, prey determination from scat content. DNA-based methods applied detect predators’ scats are viable alternatives traditional macroscopic approaches, showing an increased reliability higher detection rate. Here, we developed molecular method identification wolf (Canis lupus) using multiple species-specific marker loci on cytochrome b gene 18 target species. The final panel consisted 80 assays, with minimum four markers per species, that amplified specifically when high-throughput Nanofluidic array technology (Fluidigm Inc.). As practical DNA collected Sweden. Depending number amplifying required obtain positive call scat, success determining at least one ranged 44% 92%. Although highlight need evaluate optimal sensitive detection, fast cost-efficient tool it also has potential be further other areas large carnivores as well.