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Diagnostic Genetic Marker That Differentiates Eastern Fox Squirrels From Eastern Gray Squirrels |
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| Authors: | NANCY D MONCRIEF RONALD A VAN DEN BUSSCHE RAYMOND D DUESER DUSTIN LOFTIS NOELLE E COCKETT MELANIE CULVER |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;2. Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA;3. Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA;4. Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA |
| Abstract: | Abstract The Delmarva fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) has been listed as endangered by the United States Department of Interior since 1967. A high-priority task for the recovery of this taxon is to determine its current geographic distribution. Toward this end, we have identified a microsatellite locus that unambiguously differentiates Delmarva fox squirrels from eastern gray squirrels (S. carolinensis), which frequently co-occur with Delmarva fox squirrels. Analysis of this marker in noninvasively collected hair samples will allow unequivocal identification of localities occupied by Delmarva fox squirrels with a minimum investment of funds, time, and effort because handling individuals will be unnecessary. This protocol will expedite site review in connection with the Endangered Species Act consultation process. |
| Keywords: | Delmarva fox squirrel eastern fox squirrel eastern gray squirrel genetic marker hair traps noninvasive sampling Sciurus carolinensis Sciurus niger cinereus |