DNA Helps Scientists Count Endangered Species

Purdue University scientists studying the imperial eagle population discovered that traditional counting method results to inaccurate totals and could affect various conservation efforts. Using the DNA coming from eagle feathers gathered from Narzum National Nature Reserve of Kazakhstan, Prof. Andrew DeWoody and his team were able to identify individual DNA fingerprints for each bird. Through this genetic technique, they have recorded 414 eagles, which is three times more than the recorded number by visual counting.

These results are significant in conservation practices. For instance, when the eagle counts are underestimated, the decision makers would think that habitat is not important when, in reality, more eagles are using it than thought.

"We don't want to spend a lot of effort protecting a species that doesn't need that much protection," DeWoody said. "This is a science-based approach to conservation."

Read more at http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2011/110307DeWoodyConservation.html.