DNA EXTRACTION, AMPLIFICATION, AND DIRECT SEQUENCING FROM HORNBILL FEATHERS

Two methods for extracting DNA from feathers for non-invasive multilocus genotyping of birds are described DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the double-stranded products were sequenced directly without the need for cloning. One method uses a single extraction step with Chelex as the extraction medium thus reducing opportunities for contamination, and eliminating the need to use organic solvents and proteinases. It constitutes a simple, fast and relatively inexpensive method of DNA-level genotyping. Partial mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences of 7 species of hornbill (Aves: Bucerotidae) and a warbler are reported to demonstrate the method's potential for phylogenetic and genealogical analyses involving free-ranging birds and museum specimens.