We recently showed that a putatively ‘species-specific’ PCR assay [
[1]
] developed for the discrimination of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) scats from those of other predators is highly prone to false positives and unreliable
as a means to detect the unique presence of foxes in Tasmania [
[2]
]. A letter [
[3]
] from the principal authors who originally reported the PCR assay [
- Sarre S.D.
- MacDonald A.J.
- Berry O.F.
- Barclay C.
- Saunders G.R.
- Ramsey D.
Defining specificity in DNA detection of wildlife: response to Gonçalves et al. The
risks of using species-specific PCR assays in wildlife research: the case of red fox
(Vulpes vulpes) identification in Tasmania.
Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 2014; 13: 206
[1]
] made a series of comments that we respond to here.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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References
- Faecal DNA detection of invasive species: the case of feral foxes in Tasmania.Wildl. Res. 2007; 34: 1-7
- The risks of using species-specific PCR assays in wildlife research: the case of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) identification in Tasmania.Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 2014; 11: e9-e11
- Defining specificity in DNA detection of wildlife: response to Gonçalves et al. The risks of using species-specific PCR assays in wildlife research: the case of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) identification in Tasmania.Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 2014; 13: 206
- Foxes are now widespread in Tasmania: DNA detection defines the distribution of this rare but invasive carnivore.J. Appl. Ecol. 2013; 50: 459-468
- The dispersion and detection patterns of mtDNA-assigned red fox Vulpes vulpes scats in Tasmania are anomalous.J. Appl. Ecol. 2014; 51: 1033-1040
Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 10, 2014
Received:
October 24,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
