Philippine Journal of Science
150 (2): 545-555, April 2021
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 17 Sep 2020

Pilot Fecal DNA Barcoding on Selected
Fruit Bats in Davao City, Philippines

Michael G. Bacus2, Sammer C. Burgos1, Hannah G. Elizagaque1,
Kameela Monique A. Malbog1, Mae A. Responte1,3, Lief Erikson D. Gamalo1,2,3,
Marion John Michael M. Achondo1,3, and Lyre Anni E. Murao1,2,3*

1Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies
2Philippine Genome Center Mindanao
3Wildlife-Human Interaction Studies, Ecological Research
and Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory
University of the Philippines Mindanao,
Mintal Davao City, Region XI 8000 Philippines

*Corresponding author: lemurao@up.edu.ph

 

ABSTRACT

The “Species from Feces” DNA barcoding offers new opportunities to study the challenging taxonomy and systematics of Philippine bats using a minimally-invasive strategy that employs a short 200- bp mitochondrial encoded cytochrome c oxidase I (mt COI) sequence. A pilot application of the technique to five species of fruit bats collected from Davao City, Philippines revealed accurate species identification and the extended ability to assess genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. The 95–100% sequence identity matched with the field identification of bats, including the endemic Ptenochirus jagori, although only 62% of the samples could be sequenced. A decreasing trend in genetic diversity was noted from widespread bat species such as Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Cynopterus brachyotis, and Macroglossus minimus to species with limited geographic distribution (e.g. P. jagori) or possible recent colonization (e.g. Eonycteris spelaea). Genetic diversity, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and phylogenetic analysis also showed distinct genetic lineages of C. brachyotis, R. amplexicaudatus, and M. minimus from their conspecifics outside the Philippines, while E. spelaea and the endemic P. jagori exhibited genetic homogeneity. The findings on genetic diversity and relationships were consistent with previous studies using longer COI segment or other biomarkers. In conclusion, the Species from Feces DNA barcoding presents a minimally invasive and pragmatic approach to explore bat assemblages with the additional utility to examine genetic structures and relationships, which may be used to support studies on diversity, evolution, and biogeography, thereby rapidly facilitate conservation initiatives.