Bobcat Pawprint DNA Recovery Revolutionizes Wildlife Tracking
University of Florida researchers discovered a groundbreaking method to recover bobcat DNA from pawprints. Published in Biological Conservation, the study unveiled insights into bobcats’ ancestry and microbial communities.
By Richard Cole · January 10, 2024
In a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, the elusive bobcat has become the focus of a unique conservation approach. Led by Professor Dave Duffy, the team has demonstrated that bobcat DNA can be recovered from their pawprints, providing valuable insights into their ancestry and microbial communities.
The journey began one Sunday morning three years ago when Duffy’s children reported a rare sighting of a bobcat near their home, adjacent to the Whitney Laboratory. Intrigued, Duffy investigated the site and discovered six clear bobcat prints in the sandy soil. With the assistance of his children, he collected small soil samples from the footprints, setting the stage for a groundbreaking discovery.
Collaborating with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the researchers showcased the potential of this method. Recovering DNA from bobcat pawprints enabled the determination of the animals’ ancestral background and identification of their unique microbial communities, even after the animals had left the area.
Published in the journal Biological Conservation in November, the research focused on the studying of environmental DNA (eDNA), the genetic remnants left behind by living organisms. The researchers have previously refined methods for studying eDNA, offering a non-invasive means to protect wildlife and study populations.
"Bobcats, like many other species, are experiencing changes in their ranges, mostly due to humans. Being able to track where they are, what habitats they're using, and what areas they're in can help inform better management."
The collaboration with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was pivotal, providing access to a captive bobcat named Abby. This allowed the researchers to calibrate and confirm their techniques, demonstrating the potential of this method for wild bobcat populations. Importantly, the study demonstrated the ability to distinguish between bobcats and the closely related Canada lynx, aiding scientists in analyzing these species separately, which could be challenging relying on tracks alone.
In a related study, the researchers utilized bobcat print samples to reveal that eDNA persists for different durations in the environment, depending on its cellular origin. These findings will enhance the accuracy of future eDNA interpretations. Professor Duffy emphasized the non-invasiveness of these eDNA techniques, stating, “That makes them really beneficial to scientists studying endangered species and to the species themselves.”
The study, titled “A novel eDNA approach for rare species monitoring: Application of long-read shotgun sequencing to Lynx rufus soil pawprints,” was published in Biological Conservation in November 2023. This innovative approach opens new avenues for conservationists, offering a glimpse into the genetic secrets left behind in the sandy imprints of one of nature’s most elusive creatures.