Eggshell membranes as a noninvasive sampling for molecular studies of Chinese alligators (<i>Alligator sinensis</i>)

Abstract

Noninvasive sampling is of prime essential on conservation genetics and molecular ecology. It is particularly preferred to use in the genetic identification of individuals and genetic analysis. A simple
and efficient sampling is described for molecular studies from eggshell membranes in an endemic population of Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). This sampling strategy is fast, inexpensive and
noninvasive to individuals. It could obtain large amounts of high-quality nucleic acids, isolated from different individuals. Amplification of mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA loci was successful from
eggshell membrane in A. sinensis, after DNA extraction. These results show that eggshell membranes as a noninvasive sampling represent a reliable source of DNA for conservation genetics in endangered
reptiles.