MisBase (Microsatellite data Base) facilitates the storage, handling and analysis of genetic data, data on samples, and information about individuals the samples were taken from. It allows for easy handling of large amounts of information, quality control, and sample tracing. It implements several different analytical methods, as well as data export in all standard population genetic formats, in formats used in Mark-Recapture programs, and direct connectivity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
F.15 Development of a new information system/databases
Illegal killing of a bear (named Rožnik) well-known to the Slovenian public received nation-wide media coverage in Slovenia and Austria. Without our genetic analyses the case would not have been solved as there is no other way to link a body of a killed bear found in the wild with the concrete bear that left Slovenia and migrated to Austria.
F.27 Contribution to preserving/protecting natural and cultural heritage
Wolf population growth and associated increased predation on sheep are believed to be the current problem in Slovenia, which results in bad management and conservation of these animals. Because of the ban on executions there's also increasing the number of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) who occasionally commit damage on domestic animals. Since determination of the culprit on the kill site is often difficult, the application of forensic approaches is required. We have developed a protocol for the collection of saliva from bite wounds, laboratory protocol for extraction and amplification of DNA from saliva and verified the effectiveness and efficiency of the amplification protocols. Samples were taken from the edge of the bite with a cotton swab, stored in dessicant and soaked in 96 % ethanol. Used swabs were kept in plastic bags in the freezer till the analysis. The results showed that weather conditions don't have expected impact on the analysis of DNA, while the impact of the extraction site, the number of samples and speed of intervention when the attack happens is obvious. Given the distribution patterns between the two extraction sites, we suspect dog to merely kill the animal, wolf to prey and feed on its prey and fox to feed on carcasses. An important findings of our work are the simplicity of sampling without required previous experience and a relatively high percentage of canine kills detected.
F.27 Contribution to preserving/protecting natural and cultural heritage
COBISS.SI-ID: 2641999R package with simulation tools for simulating mark-recapture process in a virtual population with emphasis on detection and quantification of the edge effect.
F.15 Development of a new information system/databases
Over the 19th century the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) was extinct in large parts of its former distribution area in central and northern Europe. After extinction, at the beginning of the 20th century, the lynx population in Slovenia has been re-established in the year 1973, through the reintroduction of three pairs of animals from the Slovakian Carpathian Mountains. The newly founded population rapidly expanded into neighbouring Croatia as well as to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the reintroduction itself became one of the most successful reintroductions of a large predator to date. After initial expansion and period of stabilization, a decrease of the population size has been observed during the last 10 to 15 years. Lynx is currently one of the most endangered Slovenian mammals, with the population size estimated from 15 to 25 individuals. The goals of our research were to develop the methods of non-invasive DNA sampling from lynx hair, faeces and urine, to develop the methods for individual genotyping, to analyze the genetic diversity and the change in level of inbreeding in lynx population in Slovenia. We studied genetic diversity at 22 nuclear DNA microsatellites loci for 100 invasive, historic and non-invasive lynx samples, dating from 1979 to 2010. Mean number of alleles per locus (NA) was 2,789, effective number of alleles (ne) was 1.960, average observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.433 and average expected heterozygosity (He) of the Slovenian lynx population was 0.453. We conducted genetic diversity analyses of the Slovenian lynx population through time. A decrease of genetic diversity, a decrease of inbreeding as non random mating (FIS) and an increase of pedigree inbreeding (individual inbreeding coefficient) in population of lynx in Slovenia from the reintroduction on, was revealed by the travelling window analysis. The population of lynx in Slovenia has the lowest microsatellite diversity among all Eurasian lynx populations studied until now and is only comparable to the genetic diversity in the reintroduced populations in Swiss Alps and Jura Mountains. For further management and conservation of the Slovenian lynx population we need to consider the population augmentation from a large source population.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 765303