Species identification of mustelids by comparing partial sequences on mitochondrial DNA from fecal samples

Nucleotide sequences of cytochrome b/tRNA/D-loop region on mitochondrial DNA of mustelids feces were compared to identify species. PCR amplification of target sequence for 47 (24.9%) feces and species identification of five feces (2.6%) out of 189 feces, collected at several study sites in Hokkaido, were successful. Species of three feces were Martes zibellina and those of other two feces were Martes melampus and Mustela itatsi. The low success rate of identification appeared to be due to failure of PCR amplification by inhibitors in feces. It was suggested that the method used in this study was useful for not only identify mustelids species, but also analyzing their genetic relationships.