Molecular identification of individual North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) using free-floating feces

During the 1990s, North Atlantic right whales had significantly decreased reproduction and showed signs of compromised health, prompting the initiation of noninvasive fecal-based studies to investigate potential causal factors. The interpretation of these studies is enhanced when the defecator is identified, as data can then be linked to individual life history information. Fecal samples (n= 118) were either collected from single photoidentified whales, associated with several individuals by photoidentification of whales in the vicinity upon sample collection, or were collected when no whales were in the vicinity. Genetic profiles from fecal DNA comprising sex, mitochondrial haplotype, and five microsatellite loci helped assign specific samples to individual right whales based on existing genetic profiles. Profiles were informative in assigning 61 fecal samples to known individuals, 24 of which were collected when no whales were in the vicinity. Whales identified genetically were typically photographed in the same habitat area and on the same day of sample collection (n= 35/48). Twelve profiles new to the genetic database were identified, suggesting fecal sampling provides a means to obtain genetic profiles from previously unsampled individuals, which may help refine estimates of population size and habitat use patterns if annual fecal sampling continues.