Using the PCR-DNA analysis to investigate the diversification of mustelids in the Middle Urals

We provide an overview of main results of searching the present distribution of furbearer mustelid species in the Middle Urals (Sverdlovsk province). In this project we apply a new method for the region - recognizing species by PCR analysis of DNA from animal feces. Biotest result gave the species determination: 78% of American mink, otter (8%), pine marten (4%) and sable (10%). Overall success definition rate was 78.13% that exceeds the results obtained using previously proposed methods. We reaffirm the distribution otters, martens, American minks, but have not found at least one of the European mink.