In January of this year, a new research article was published about taking samples from the tracks of animals to study them. More specifically, in this case, it is the bobcat. These big cats are hard to observe since they are not commonly seen during the daytime, especially out in the open where it would be the easiest to observe them. The study presented shows that it is possible to collect viable DNA just from the tracks these hard-to-observe animals leave. This DNA was able to provide information about the animal's ancestry as well as the animal's unique microbial communities. They are calling this environmental DNA or eDNA when collected.
This is a huge break in the ways of observing animals, especially those who are not easily observable in the daytime and not often in open areas. This allows researchers to collect data from an animal without causing any interference and also very safely. Collecting eDNA is something important for collecting continuous information on more uncommon animals, even the rare ones! Having this option allows for an easy collection and much less stress for everyone involved. This will change the future of data collection for uncommon animals.
Resources:
(News Article): https://wildlife.org/bobcat-prints-lead-to-genetic-clues-about-the-species/
(Scientific Article): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320723004160?via%3Dihub
(Alternative Link): https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/animal_services/urban_wildlife/urban_wildlife_animals/bobcat
