The use of (GACA)₄ PCR to sex Old World vultures (Aves: Accipitridae)

Abstract

A PCR method was developed employing a single primer (GACA)4 to sex Black vultures (Aegypius monachus), Lappet‐faced vultures (Torgos tracheliotus), and Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). Using the (GACA)4 primer several PCR products were generated. One or more PCR products displayed a sex‐specific pattern, i.e. they were only present in females (probably corresponding to repetitive DNA on the W chromosome) but absent in males. The sex ratio of 85 Griffon vultures from Spain was almost 1.

Sex identification in avian species using DNA typing methods

“…However, the USP primers fail to identify sex in non-Galiforme birds like the white stork (Ciconia boyciana) (Ogawa et al, 1997), and old world vultures (Aegypius monachus, Gups fulvus and Torgos tracheliotus) (Wink et al, 1998). Griffiths and Tiwari (1995) reported that feathers from Soxi's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) could be used for the sex identification using PCR technique combined with restriction enzyme cleavage method.…”

Use of DNA markers to study bird migration

“…The ISSR can reveal population specific DNA bands, which can be useful to trace back individual bird to populations (Wink et al 2002). Since, ISSR loci are inherited by both sexes, this method also allows the analysis of hybrids and of sex (Wink et al 1998(Wink et al , 2000. ISSR markers can also be used to infer phylogenies of closely related taxa, such as genera (Wink et al 2002;Treutlein et al 2003a, b) …”

High mortality and sex ratio imbalance in a critically declining Oriental White-backed Vulture population (Gyps bengalensis) in Pakistan

“…Moreover, in the case of endangered species, sex identification has various management implications in wild or captive populations, especially in terms of mating systems and demography (Newton et al 1983;Griffiths and Tawari 1995;Newton 1998;Figuerola and Green 2000;Dunn et al 2001). Techniques such as cloacal examination, laparoscopy, analysis of steroid hormones and DNA analysis have been used to determine sex in birds, including vultures (Tacha and Lewis 1979;Fry 1983;Richner 1989;Griffiths et al 1998;Wink et al 1998;Ito et al 2003).…”