Efficient species identification of pine marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes martes</Emphasis>) and red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>) scats using a 5′ nuclease real-time PCR assay

Monitoring wildlife species by DNA identification of samples collected non-invasively is an important tool in conservation management. DNA identification of species from faecal (scat) samples is problematic due to the small quantities and poor quality of the DNA isolated from such samples. This study demonstrates the use of real-time PCR technology in the identification of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and pine marten (Martes martes). It is shown that real-time PCR can be used to identify fox and pine marten by either melting curve analysis (Tm determination) with SYBR Green 1 detection or by the use of species specific fluorogenic probes. The technique is shown to work efficiently with scat DNA.