Meeting Abstract

P1.32  Jan. 4  Optimization of DNA Extraction and Amplification Procedures from Fecal Samples of African Forest Elephants. HANSON, R*; KOLOKOTRONIS, S; DESALLE, R; BOLNET, C; Medgar Evers College; American Museum of Natural History; American Museum of Natural History; Medgar Evers College rockyhanson@gmail.com

Newly revealed African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are difficult to census due to their dense habitat within central West Africa. Therefore, there is a lack of forest elephant sampling, and very few populations are being monitored. Much of forest elephant habitat lies within countries with a history of civil unrest and poverty, both of which increase the incentive for poaching of their valuable ivory tusks. Non-invasive sampling of endangered and elusive species, for genetic analyses, is the most important component of wildlife evolutionary genetics research. It is the most efficient way to acquire knowledge of the genetic makeup of wild species. African forest elephant dung samples were collected and preserved in various media: isopropanol, ethanol, and silica gel. Total optimization of non-toxic DNA extraction protocols (QIAGEN Mini Stool Kit and Epicentre Extract Master Fecal DNA Extraction Kit) was carried out aiming at the maximization of DNA yield. Finally, the optimization of PCR-amplification procedures of various loci located on the mitochondrial genome and the X-chromosome, and SINE retrotransposons was performed. Of 111 samples, from Ghana, Nigeria and the Congo, mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA were positively amplified. SINE retrotransposons were also amplified for the first time in forest elephants. In conclusion we have optimized the PCR conditions for the amplification of a new locus that can be a valuable tool in the monitoring of African forest elephants