A genetic approach to identify raccoon dog within a large native meso-carnivore community

Abstract: Introduced species often brings unforeseen and/or severe ecological impacts to ecosystem. These may be serving as vectors of disease, causing economic loss, ecosystem effects, reduction of biodiversity and interaction between species (e.g. predation, competition and introgression). So, it is important to do research about introduced species. Traditional research methods may be difficult when dealing with elusive introduced carnivores. Nowadays, non-invasive genetic sampling could be used to detect, identify and monitor invasive species. In this paper, I developed a protocol which uses 23 species specific primer pairs, based on mitochondrial DNA, to differentiate invasive raccoon dog and other native carnivores (European badger, red fox, pine marten, European otter, American mink, Eurasian lynx, domestic cat and domestic dog). PCR reactions were optimized by using muscle samples. Species identification requires amplification of one correct pair of primersand amplification failure of all the other primer pairs. My work offers an effective solution for the identification of invasive and native carnivores. In the future, this protocol can be used to monitor carnivore community in a large area by using field samples.