During the last centuries, many wild avian species have suffered a steep decline in numbers and range. They are now rare and steel decreasing due to human activities affecting natural habitats and food supplies. In some species immatures and juveniles do not show sex-linked morphology and Authors do not agree upon the development of an unambiguous sexual dimorphism. Nevertheless, a discrimination between male and female is possible based on some discernible plumage traits. However, the knowledge of the sex of young individuals in a population greatly facilitates the study of behaviour, evolutionary ecology, conservation strategies, breeding system, and genetics. Therefore, the development of an objective test would undoubtedly facilitate the species management. In recent years, DNA-based tests have became available and have been applied for the detection of sex in some species of birds. In these tests the determination sex chromosomes specific markers have been used. A crucial point in any kind of studies of free ranging animals is sampling, that must be sample, not stressing, and non-invasive. In this respect, hair and faecies have been proved to be suitable materials in mammals, wile bird feathers increasingly used. Different approaches are compared and discussed.
Non-Invasive Approaches to Sex Identification in Avian Species
RASERO, Roberto;SACCHI, Paola
2009-01-01
Abstract
During the last centuries, many wild avian species have suffered a steep decline in numbers and range. They are now rare and steel decreasing due to human activities affecting natural habitats and food supplies. In some species immatures and juveniles do not show sex-linked morphology and Authors do not agree upon the development of an unambiguous sexual dimorphism. Nevertheless, a discrimination between male and female is possible based on some discernible plumage traits. However, the knowledge of the sex of young individuals in a population greatly facilitates the study of behaviour, evolutionary ecology, conservation strategies, breeding system, and genetics. Therefore, the development of an objective test would undoubtedly facilitate the species management. In recent years, DNA-based tests have became available and have been applied for the detection of sex in some species of birds. In these tests the determination sex chromosomes specific markers have been used. A crucial point in any kind of studies of free ranging animals is sampling, that must be sample, not stressing, and non-invasive. In this respect, hair and faecies have been proved to be suitable materials in mammals, wile bird feathers increasingly used. Different approaches are compared and discussed.
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