Comparison of Non-Invasive and Invasive DNA Sampling Techniques for Malayan Giant Turtle (Orlitia borneensis) Conservation

Background: Integrated conservation action of Malaysian giant turtles (Orlitia borneensis) demands contribution from all parties including conservation agencies, scientific communities, and local communities in the field. Genetic conservation becomes a pivotal aspect to sustain the O. borneensis survivability and field monitoring of environmental capacity in carrying the population. Remote locations and unpredictable encounters with the species pose significant challenges to genetic sampling efforts to study this species.

Aims: Our study aimed to assess the quality of amplicons resulting from blood, cloacal swab, and water sampling techniques in providing sample collections that are relatively less invasive yet can be simpler more easily performed by anyone.

Methods: We collected the specimens using three different sampling techniques in captive O. borneensis facility population for DNA testing through partial ATP86 and CytB encoding gene amplifications. The amplicons were analysed based onelectrophoresis band intensity, post-amplification dsDNA concentration, and nucleotide composition based on using Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS).

Results: There was no significant different among amplicons of samples extracted from blood, cloacal swab, and water eDNA in our study. Our initial study on time-based monitoring of O. borneensis using water eDNA also identified specific time periods and conditions that may facilitate on the detection of O. borneensis in its native habitat.

Conclusion: Our study suggested that cloacal swabbing may provide a safer, less invasive, and more accessible alternative sampling technique when venepuncture is impractical.