As critically endangered species creep toward extinction, conservationists test the species' DNA in order to understand the threats the species faces and to encourage breeding when there are a lack of genetically diverse partners. Usually, DNA is collected from discarded hair or feces - rather than tranquilizing and poking the animal with needles - but those sources of genetic material aren't rich in DNA.
Researchers have come up with a solution - a way to get the DNA without disturbing the animal being studied: placentas.
A study in the recent issue of the Finnish journal Annales Zoologici Fennici published by the Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board suggests that placentas can be a valuable source of genetic material that can help conservationists identify and avoid inbreeding. Other valuable information can be obtained by the placenta, like gender of the newest member of the group.
The researchers tested their theory on Saimaa ringed seals (Pusa hispida saimensis), one of the rarest seal species on the planet. According to Scientific American, about 300 Saimaa ringed seals remain. Saimaa ringed seals are considered critically endangered.
The researchers reported that 50 to 60 Saimaa ringed seal pups are born every year. Pinnipeds (seals) are among the few animals that don't eat their own placentas, so researchers were confident they would be able to gather enough for DNA sampling. Between 2009 and 2011 the researchers collected 59 placentas. The tests didn't result in a large pool of data, but the technique could be useful when studying "elusive and difficult to capture" wild animals in danger of the host of issues tied to inbreeding that will speed their trek to extinction.
