The black‐footed cat (Felis nigripes) is endemic to the arid regions of southern Africa. One of the world's smallest wild felids, the species occurs at low densities and is secretive and elusive, which makes ecological studies difficult. Genetic data could provide key information such as estimates on population size, sex ratios, and genetic diversity. In this study, we test if microsatellite loci can be successfully amplified from scat samples that could be noninvasively collected from the field. Using 21 blood and scat samples collected from the same individuals, we statistically tested whether nine microsatellites previously designed for use in domestic cats can be used to identify individual black‐footed cats. Genotypes recovered from blood and scat samples were compared to assess loss of heterozygosity, allele dropout, and false alleles resulting from DNA degradation or PCR inhibitors present in scat samples. The microsatellite markers were also used to identify individuals from scats collected in the field that were not linked to any blood samples. All nine microsatellites used in this study were amplified successfully and were polymorphic. Microsatellite loci were found to have sufficient discriminatory power to distinguish individuals and identify clones. In conclusion, these molecular markers can be used to monitor populations of wild black‐footed cats noninvasively. The genetic data will be able to contribute important information that may be used to guide future conservation initiatives.

中文翻译：

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一种黑足猫（Felis nigripes）无创个体基因分型方法

黑足猫（黑猫）是南部非洲干旱地区的特有种。作为世界上最小的野生猫科动物之一，该物种的密度较低，且神秘且难以捉摸，这使得生态研究变得困难。遗传数据可以提供关键信息，例如人口规模、性别比例和遗传多样性的估计。在这项研究中，我们测试是否可以从现场非侵入性收集的粪便样本中成功扩增微卫星位点。使用从同一个体采集的 21 个血液和粪便样本，我们统计测试了先前设计用于家猫的 9 个微卫星是否可以用于识别个体黑足猫。对从血液和粪便样本中回收的基因型进行比较，以评估粪便样本中存在的 DNA 降解或 PCR 抑制剂导致的杂合性损失、等位基因缺失和假等位基因。微卫星标记还用于识别现场收集的粪便中与任何血液样本无关的个体。本研究中使用的所有九个微卫星均已成功扩增并且具有多态性。发现微卫星位点具有足够的辨别力来区分个体和识别克隆。总之，这些分子标记可用于非侵入性监测野生黑足猫的种群。遗传数据将能够提供重要信息，可用于指导未来的保护举措。