NEON Biorepository Mammal Collection (DNA Extracts)

This collection contains genetic extracts from ear punch (tissue) samples collected from select small mammals during small mammal sampling (NEON sample class: mam_barcoding_in.dnaSubsampleID.mam). Small mammal sampling is based on the lunar calendar, with timing of sampling constrained to occur within 10 days before or after the new moon. Typically, core sites are sampled 6 times per year, and gradient sites 4 times per year. Small mammals are sampled using box traps (models LFA, XLK, H.B. Sherman Traps, Inc., Tallahassee, FL, USA). Box traps are arrayed in three to eight (depending on the size of the site) 10 x 10 grids with 10m spacing between traps at all sites. Small mammal trapping bouts are comprised of one or three nights of trapping, depending on whether a grid is designated for pathogen sample collection (3 nights) or not (1 night). Up to 240 ear punches are collected from each target and opportunistic species per site per year. These tissues are preserved in an appropriate tissue vial and up to 95 tissue samples per domain will be shipped to an external lab. DNA will be extracted and target sequences amplified via PCR. Barcodes of cytochrome oxidase I will be generated per specimen.Genetic extracts are stored dehydrated in 96-well plates from the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding are archived in the NEON Biorepository at -80 degrees Celsius. When eluted into 20 uL, concentrations of 5-30 ng/uL are expected. See related links below for protocols and NEON related data products. Information about the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding can be found at https://ccdb.ca/.