A novel multiplex PCR assay for individual identification in the vulnerable Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) using molted feathers

Noninvasive DNA may be used in individual identification for counting or tracking animals. Here a multiplex PCR assay, in which 16 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were chosen and allocated into four multiplex PCR panels, was described for the individual identification of the Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) using molted feathers. In this study, the combined exclusion probability for unrelated individuals (P-ID) and for individuals with sibling relationship (P-ID(sib)) were 7.02 x 10(-19) and 2.9 x 10(-7), respectively. Molted feathers (n = 59) of E. eulophotes amplified by more than 7 loci were unambiguously identified as 43 different individuals (32 females and 11 males). The results indicated that our newly developed assay could be used for noninvasive individual identification in the vulnerable Chinese Egret and other Ardeids.